As communities confront the challenges of climate change and its far-reaching impacts, there is a need to acknowledge the growing prevalence of climate anxiety, particularly among young people. In the face of record-breaking temperatures and escalating emissions, the uncertainty of a sustainable future weighs heavily on the minds of many.
Recent studies shed light on the extent of climate anxiety among young individuals. Headspace's 2023 National Youth Mental Health Survey revealed that a staggering 53 per cent of young people experience fear about the future due to climate change.
The Foundation’s Program Manager for Healthy & Climate Resilient Communities, Dr Karyn Bosomworth said “As climate anxiety becomes more prevalent, there is an urgent need for mental health interventions that recognise climate anxiety and ways to tackle it.
“Research from institutions such as the UK's Grantham Institute and the World Economic Forum highlights the positive impact of engaging in climate change actions (adaptation, mitigation, etc) on mental well-being, emphasising the importance of proactive responses to address climate-related distress.”
There is an interconnection of social connections, environmental health, and climate resilience in shaping overall well-being. Despite the undeniable link between social connectedness and mental health, studies indicate a troubling trend of increasing loneliness and social isolation among young people.
The Foundation is committed to supporting projects that adopt a systemic approach to address health and climate resilience equity. By targeting the systemic determinants of health, including social connections and environmental health, we aim to empower young people to navigate climate anxiety while fostering community engagement and promoting climate resilience.
“We want a future where young people feel empowered to confront the challenges of climate change with resilience and determination,” added Karyn.
Grants
Diversifying Leadership in the Climate Justice Movement
Australian Youth Climate Coalition Limited
Grant Type
Scaling-Up Innovation
Climate Adaptation Requires Youth Action (CARYA)
Banksia Gardens Association Incorporated
KooyongKoot Alliance
KooyongKoot Alliance Inc
Building leadership to support psychological resilience in facing climate across the community
Psychology For a Safe Climate Inc
Grant Type
Seed Innovation
Towards climate resilient families – mapping intersections of gender and place-based responses to summer heat vulnerability
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Grant Type
Seed Innovation
Strengthening community/food system resilience through the Culture+Kinship Model
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation