Wednesday, 19 June 2024

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
Status
Active grant
Grant Amount
$30,000
Grant Type
Scaling-Up Innovation 
Year
2022/2023
 
1. Communities shape regenerative and just climate change resilience.


Sustainable development goals
10. Reduced Inequality 13. Climate Action

Climate Adaptation Requires Youth Action (CARYA)
Banksia Gardens Association Incorporated
Status
Active grant
Grant Amount
$75,000
Grant Type
Proactive 
Year
2022/2023
 
1. Communities shape regenerative and just climate change resilience.


Sustainable development goals
13. Climate Action

KooyongKoot Alliance
KooyongKoot Alliance Inc
Status
Active grant
Grant Amount
$50,000
Grant Type
Initiative  
Year
2023/2024
 
3.1 Communities shape regenerative and just climate change resilience.
 


Sustainable development goals
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 13. Climate Action

Building leadership to support psychological resilience in facing climate across the community
Psychology For a Safe Climate Inc
Status
Complete grant
Grant Amount
$49,050
Grant Type
Seed Innovation 
Year
2022/2023
 
3. The health and community sectors can support community resilience to climate change and disasters, including pandemics and other shocks



Towards climate resilient families – mapping intersections of gender and place-based responses to summer heat vulnerability
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Status
Active grant
Grant Amount
$36,283
Grant Type
Seed Innovation 
Year
2023/2024
 
3.3 The health and community sectors can support community resilience to climate change and disasters, including pandemics and shocks.
 


Sustainable development goals
13. Climate Action

Strengthening community/food system resilience through the Culture+Kinship Model
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
Status
Active grant
Grant Amount
$150,000
Grant Type
Initiative  
Year
2023/2024
 
3.2 Greater Melbourne’s food systems are equitable, healthy sustainable and resilient.
 


Sustainable development goals
2. Zero Hunger 1. No Poverty 13. Climate Action