As the planet warms and climate-related disasters grow more frequent and severe, an escalating mental health crisis is emerging among young people worldwide. A rising wave of climate anxiety—marked by fear, helplessness, and anger—is profoundly impacting the psychological well-being of children, teens, and young adults, according to recent studies and mental health experts.

A global study has revealed that nearly 60% of young people feel “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change. For many, these concerns are not fleeting thoughts but persistent, distressing emotions that interfere with daily life. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being increasingly linked to climate fears, particularly among those who have experienced climate-related disasters such as wildfires, floods, or hurricanes.

Emma Lawrance, the lead at the Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London and a co-author of the study, emphasizes the unjust burden being placed on the younger generation. “It’s the people who have contributed the least to the problem who are facing the challenge of dealing with the consequences,” Lawrance stated.

This sense of injustice is fueling a unique kind of psychological turmoil among youth. While the physical impacts of climate change—rising sea levels, heatwaves, and severe storms—are widely reported, the emotional toll remains less visible but no less urgent. Experts warn that this growing mental health crisis demands recognition as a critical public health issue.

“Young people are telling us they feel betrayed, dismissed, and abandoned by older generations and policymakers,” Lawrance noted. “They are asking not only for solutions to climate change but for validation of their fears and emotions.”

The developing brains of children and adolescents make them particularly vulnerable to psychological stress. Unlike adults, who may be more capable of compartmentalizing or rationalizing long-term threats, young people often internalize the perceived inaction on climate issues as hopelessness. This distress is shaping their outlook on the future. Some are rethinking major life decisions, such as whether to have children or pursue certain careers, because of the perceived instability of the planet.

Social media and constant exposure to dire climate predictions further amplify these anxieties. Images of burning forests, displaced families, and devastated ecosystems circulate widely, often without context or solutions, contributing to feelings of overwhelm. In schools and homes, many young people say they struggle to find spaces where their concerns are taken seriously.

Moreover, climate anxiety is not evenly distributed. Youth from lower-income and marginalized communities—often the hardest hit by environmental disasters—face compounded mental health challenges. With limited access to psychological support and fewer resources to recover from climate impacts, these communities carry a disproportionate burden.

“Resilience can only go so far without support,” said Dr. Miriam Gonzalez, a child psychologist focusing on environmental trauma. “We need systems in place that address both the physical and mental aftermath of climate events, especially for vulnerable populations.”

Some initiatives are beginning to emerge. Schools are introducing climate education that includes mental health awareness, and youth-led climate organizations are providing peer support and advocacy channels. However, experts argue that systemic change is necessary—not only to reduce emissions and prevent further climate damage but to build mental health infrastructure that can support future generations.

The youth are not just victims in this crisis; they are also key drivers of change. Across the globe, young activists are raising their voices, demanding accountability, and shaping the climate conversation. Yet, their calls come with a plea for recognition and empathy.

In the words of one 17-year-old respondent in the global study: “We’re not asking for miracles. We’re asking for honesty, action, and support to deal with a future we didn’t choose but must now face.”

As the climate emergency intensifies, addressing its psychological fallout may prove just as critical as mitigating its environmental effects.