Climate change and eco anxiety: Finding a way forward

Last updated: April 21, 2026

In a changing climate, hope, action, and support can help young people feel stronger and less alone.

Young people across Ontario and around the world care deeply about climate change and how it affects their lives and the planet. You might hear about climate change through school, the news, social media, or conversations with friends and family. Some young people are also directly affected by events like wildfires, floods, violent storms or poor air quality. While these challenges are real, many young people are learning ways to take care of their mental well‑being, support one another, and make a positive difference through small and meaningful actions. Hope, connection and care can be part of the response to climate change.

How climate change can affect you

Climate change is not just a science issue. It is also a human and emotional issue, especially for young people.

Eco anxiety is the stress or worry you feel about the climate, the environment and the future of the planetⁱ. It’s understandable to feel stressed or worried about this – you care about the world around you.

You might notice thoughts like:

• Is it too late to fix this?
• Will future generations be okay?
• What if nothing changes?

You might also experience:

• frustration or anger about how others respond to climate change
• guilt about your own impact
• sadness about nature or wildlife being harmed
• trouble sleeping or concentrating
• feeling stuck or unsure what to do

You are not alone

If you feel worried, sad, angry, overwhelmed or confused, you are not alone. Many students say climate change affects how they feel about the future. ⁱⁱ,ⁱⁱⁱ

• About one in six (18%) students are very or extremely worried about climate change.
• Just under half (45%) of students report feeling depressed about the future because of climate change. 

Your emotions are valid. Climate change is a big and complex issue, and it is okay to have strong feelings about it.

Climate justice and Reconciliation

Climate change is about more than the environment—it also involves how people care for one another and the land. Climate change is connected to fairness and justice. Around the world, natural resources support communities and ways of life. ^iv When managed thoughtfully, they can continue to benefit both people and nature.

Indigenous peoples have long cared for the land and water, and today many Indigenous communities are leading important efforts to protect and restore the environment. Reconciliation means building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and amplifying Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership.^v As a young person, you can take part by listening, learning and acting in respectful ways.

Coping with climate anxiety

Turning concern into action, connecting with others and taking care of yourself can help build confidence and hope. ^vi

Ways to feel better and make a difference:

• Take positive action: Getting involved can help you feel less helpless. You might join an environmental club, help an organization with tree planting or volunteer with local organizations. Small actions—such as composting, walking or biking, saving energy, or using less plastic—can make a real difference.
• Connect with others: Talking with friends, classmates, or family members who care about the environment can help you feel supported. You can also join school clubs or connect with youth support groups like Kids Help Phone’s Peer‑to‑Peer Community .
• Spend time outdoors: Enjoying nature through activities like hiking, gardening or taking photos can help you feel calmer and remind you why caring for the planet matters.
• Be smart with media: It’s okay to take breaks from upsetting climate news or social media. Try to avoid ‘doomscrolling’ and look for hopeful stories that focus on solutions and positive change.
• Name your feelings: Feelings like worry, sadness, anger or frustration are normal. It can help to talk about how you feel with someone you trust. If climate worries start to affect your sleep, school or daily life, reaching out to a counsellor or other support is a good step.

Your voice matters!

Young people are not just the future. You are part of the present. You understand your experiences, your community and your world in a unique way. That means:

• Your ideas matter.
• Your feelings matter.
• Your actions matter.

Taking action on climate change is important, but it’s not the only way to help cope with climate anxiety. People also need understanding, hope, emotional support, and strong communities to help them deal with feelings like stress or worry about the climate. ^vii

You do not need to have all the answers to make a difference.

Remember: you’re not alone, your feelings matter, and small actions—taken together—can lead to positive change.

Looking for more information, resources and tips?

• 7 ways to navigate climate change and eco anxiety
• Balanced thinking blog
• My Circle of Support – Student Help-Seeking Resource
• Grounding Techniques