To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, Liz Hurtado, Moms’ National Field Manager, joined award-winning journalist and parenting author Anya Kamenetz from the Climate Mental Health Network for a revealing discussion addressing the widespread problem of youth climate anxiety. As climate change continues to shape our daily lives, its impact on mental health has grown significantly. Liz and Anya shared research and best practices to help parents and caregivers navigate these feelings through conversation. Anya outlined global survey results showing a staggering 75% of youth say the future is frightening, and more than 45% say their climate feelings are negatively affecting their daily lives and functioning.
Tell Congress: Support Youth Mental Health and Access to Climate Education
These worrisome numbers highlight the importance of addressing our youth’s concerns, and yet parents seem to be having trouble broaching the topic with their kids. While 82% of parents say children need to know about climate change, just 49% have talked to their children about it. One reason behind the hesitation is the misconception that we can shield our kids from the truth of the world, Anya shared.
“The reality is that the only thing we can protect them from is being alone with the truth,” Anya said. Parents and caregivers can reassure children by letting them know they’re not alone and by being receptive to their feelings. Adults can then tailor conversations based on the child’s age and interests.
For younger kids, Liz suggested introducing concepts like pollution, climate change, and the importance of clean air through picture books and hands-on activities. Once children develop a baseline understanding, discussions can transition to how kids can contribute to solutions.
Whether planting trees or using their voices to demand change, action can be an antidote to anxiety. Liz emphasized that kids “have the power within themselves to take action no matter what age they may be.”
Climate anxiety takes many forms and can sometimes arise after experiencing a climate-change-related event firsthand. A recent late-night tornado alert sparked conversation among Liz’s kids, she shared. They asked if the tornado—an unusual event for their Virginia community—meant climate change was happening right now.
Conversations with teens on any topic can be challenging. They sometimes resist following their parents’ lead, and climate is no exception. Anya and Liz said it’s important to help teens forge their own path by giving them opportunities to get involved and engaged, preferably with like-minded peers.
Parents can always serve as role models for any age child and offer context. We can explain how broader systemic changes foster sustainability. Liz explained how this opens the door to discussions about holding polluters accountable, advocating for collective action, and speaking up and asking for policy changes—all can be productive ways to overcome anxiety.
As our collective understanding of climate change mental health impacts deepen, so will our efforts to equip the next generation with the knowledge and agency to handle the challenges that come with it. Fostering open dialogue, empowering action, and advocating for systemic change are all critical ways parents and caregivers can support and prepare our children to navigate the mental health impacts of the climate crisis. It’s all part of shaping a more sustainable future.
Watch the replay:
Tell Congress: Support Youth Mental Health and Access to Climate Education