Cross-cultural understanding of youth mental health and agency in the climate crisis and pandemic
The climate emergency is an on-going stressor. It is felt globally, particularly by the individuals and communities most directly affected and at risk, including the young people inheriting a crisis not of their making. While stories and data are emerging of the extent of the stress this places on them, there is much to learn.
There is limited understanding of the range of thoughts and feelings young people have about climate change (psychological responses), whether these are distinct from, or interact with other global stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and how responses vary across cultures and geographies. More research is also needed to uncover how these psychological responses interact with mental health and wellbeing, coping strategies, life impacts and decisions, and young people’s sense of being able to act on climate change (agency).
This event will introduce the Changing Worlds International study, which brings together a group of researchers working with young people in the UK, Philippines, Caribbean and USA, to answer the above questions. We will discuss our ways of working, how we have adapted our research tools to local contexts, and present empirical insights emerging from this work. .
Gary Belkin will also present on the COP2 initiative, a global network developing a plan for building social and emotional resilience to cope with and act on climate change. COP2 represents the need for “Care of People x Planet,” highlighting that we need a plan for people alongside global plans for the planet that focus on system change.
We look forward to welcoming you to our event!