Climate change fuelling anxiety in depressed young people

Young people with symptoms of depression are more pessimistic about climate change, making them more vulnerable to climate-related mental distress, new research from the University of Reading suggests.

The findings come as the University hosts the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for two international workshops on its Whiteknights campus this week, 10-12 February.

The study, which interviewed young people aged 18-25, found that while climate change is widely associated with distress, those experiencing depression reported greater hopelessness about the future.

The research, published in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, showed that young people think a balance of hope and fear in climate messaging is needed.

Professor Ciara McCabe, a psychologist and neuroscientist at the University of Reading who led the research, said: "Youth mental health is in crisis, and climate change may further increase the risk of anxiety and depression among young people.

“Our research shows that those already experiencing depression symptoms are particularly vulnerable to climate pessimism. Understanding how mental health shapes young people's responses to climate change is crucial for developing interventions that protect wellbeing as well as the planet."

In-depth interviews

The research involved in-depth interviews revealing how young people understand climate change, ranging from weather changes to natural disasters. Those experiencing high depression symptoms reported more pessimism.

Professor Ed Hawkins, climate scientist at the University of Reading, who was a co-author of the study, said: “Young people are acutely aware of the climate crisis. They emphasised that climate messaging needs a careful balance.

“Fear-based messaging alone can lead to helplessness, while hope without action creates complacency. Young people want honest communication acknowledging the severity of climate impacts, while also showing what they can do about it."

Study participants placed responsibility for action on climate change across society as a whole, from families and educators to businesses, governments and organisations, stressing the need for collaboration.

The University of Reading is committed to climate action through initiatives including the Climate Ambassadors programme and Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships, which support the next generation of climate leaders.

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The Academy of Medical Sciences press release labelling system:

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M. Siyabend Kaya, Ed Hawkins and Ciara McCabe, Views on climate change, climate action and mental health, in young people with and without existing depression symptoms: A qualitative study, The Journal of Climate Change and Health (Volume 27, January–February 2026).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100606