The climate crisis is having a profound impact on the mental health of young Australians. The increasing frequency of climate disasters, the constant barrage of stories of ecological collapse across social media, and the reality of an uncertain climate future are contributing to feelings of anxiety, grief, despair, helplessness, and burnout. Young people’s mental health is especially at risk because they are both highly aware of these impacts and will live with their consequences the longest. While they are often seen as key to driving solutions for our planet’s future, many young people feel powerless to influence meaningful change.

This presentation explores how the climate crisis is reshaping youth mental health, drawing on findings from consultations with young activists and community leaders on the frontlines of environmental action. Through these conversations, it was clear how ecological destruction, political inaction, and the emotional demands of advocacy affect young people’s wellbeing and sense of agency.

Through this session, participants will:
1. Understand what causes distress among climate aware young people.
2. Recognise how climate-related mental health challenges differ from traditional mental health challenges.
3. Learn how to empower young people through meaningful engagement and structural change.

This session demonstrates how climate distress is a rational and empathetic response to a global emergency and explores how collective care, compassion, and systemic action can strengthen young people’s hope and agency.

Three Key Learnings
1. Understand what causes distress among climate aware young people.
2. Recognise how climate-related mental health challenges differ from traditional mental health challenges.
3. Learn how to empower young people through meaningful engagement and structural change.