Climate change poses significant mental health challenges, particularly for young people in rural areas who experience its impacts firsthand. This study explores how climate change emotions, specifically eco-anxiety, eco-depression, and eco-anger—affect the mental health and climate action of young people in rural Australia. Addressing a gap in existing research, this study aims to highlight young individuals from rural Australia's lived experiences and emotional responses.

The presentation will detail the mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative participatory methods and quantitative analysis to comprehensively understand these eco-emotions. Findings indicate that eco-anxiety often inhibits action, while eco-anger can drive collective climate activism. These insights are important for developing mental health interventions that foster resilience and proactive behaviour among young people facing climate change.

The research presented will highlight the need for support mechanisms and interventions that address the unique emotional landscape of young people in rural communities. By transforming negative climate emotions into constructive motivation, we can better support the mental well-being of these youths and empower them to take meaningful climate action. This presentation aims to contribute to the broader discussion on rural and remote mental health by highlighting the crossover between environmental sustainability, mental health, and community resilience

Three Key Learnings:

1. The importance of studying eco-emotions in the context of climate change and mental health, and the mixed-methods approach used in the study
2. Key findings on eco-emotions' impact on mental health outcomes and climate action.
3. Practical implications for mental health practitioners, educators, and policymakers in rural areas.