Youth are experiencing an unprecedented level of climate anxiety and the mental health impacts of recurrent climate-related disasters on youth are a threat to children's' health. Children need support to be resilient as they face increasing climate disasters and take on the issue of fighting for climate justice. This House Resolution, written by high school climate advocates, takes on this issue by educating Congress using the latest research on the mental health pandemic of youth climate anxiety, the disproportionate impact of climate mental health issues on BIPOC youth, and calls for funding for resources to support the mental health of young people affected by the climate crisis.
Youth Mental Health and the Climate Crisis Fast FACTS:
According to a 2020 Call-t0-Action in the Lancet: "Youth might be more likely than adults to experience ill-effects associated with climate anxiety. They are at a crucial point in their physical and psychological development, when enhanced vulnerability to the effects of stress and everyday anxiety elevate their risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.:"
What is your greatest climate risk? Find out here!