Climate change and mental health

The link between climate change and wellbeing

Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing us all today. It can shape many aspects of daily life and influence how people think about the future – not only transforming the world around us, but also affecting how we feel and respond to change.

While anyone can experience the effects of climate change, children and young people may be particularly vulnerable to its emotional and developmental impacts. They’re growing up at a time when it influences so much of what they see, learn and talk about.

For some, learning about climate change sparks curiosity and motivation; for others, it can bring feelings of uncertainty or worry. These emotions are influenced by many things including young people’s personal experiences, sense of identity and how connected they feel to the places and people around them.

All of these responses are normal and show how deeply young people care about the world around them. Recognising these different experiences helps settings understand what students need and gives staff confidence in how they can offer support.

The impact of climate change on mental health

Some children and young people are already experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand, from flooding and heatwaves to changes in local environments, as recent research shows.

These events can disrupt homes, schools and communities, and may lead to new or worsened mental health difficulties, including:

•    anxiety and low mood
•    post-traumatic stress
•    sleep disturbance
•    increased stress or worry.

Climate-related events can also have practical and environmental impacts that affect wellbeing, such as disrupted routines, challenges with school attendance, or physical discomfort caused by heat and poor air quality.

Young people who already face disadvantage may also be more exposed to environmental risks, which can make coping even harder.

What your school or college can do

Findings from the Compass Project highlight several ways education can both protect young people’s mental health and prepare them for a future in a changing climate:

• Learn with nature and community: use outdoor and place-based learning, connect with local organisations and provide practical routes for collective climate action.
• Balance problems with solutions: when discussing risks, also point to examples of progress or positive change so students can see what’s happening in the real world and what’s already making a difference.
• Embed climate topics across subjects: bring ideas about climate and the environment into lessons students already enjoy, helping them understand how it relates to their wider learning.
• Build transferable skills: offer regular opportunities for students to practise collaboration, decision-making and self-reflection. These skills help protect mental health and prepare young people to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.
• Show visible leadership: talk openly about what your school or college is doing to be more sustainable and invite students to be part of that journey in ways that feel meaningful to them.
• Foster community and connection: create spaces where students can share their experiences and feel a sense of connection with others who may be navigating similar thoughts or worries. 

These suggestions may be particularly helpful when developing whole-setting approaches to sustainability, including those linked to the DfE’s sustainability leadership and climate action plans initiative.

By prioritising actions that benefit both wellbeing and climate education, schools and colleges can create multiple beneficial outcomes for both students and staff.