Coping with Climate Anxiety: Learning Methods for Mental Health for European Youth

<< Background >>In the environmental field, where we are overwhelmed by ecological degradation and accelerating climate crises information, we saw within our own network a strong need for knowledge, tools, and ways to create meaning in it. Deeper reflection revealed how media, social attitudes, and also scientific research highlight that climate anxiety can take many forms. For young people, facing it without support risks serious impacts on mental health, leading to burnout, apathy and withdrawal from active citizenship. As the need to address this issue keeps growing, we aim to prepare for the future and what lies ahead. For example, the planeths health this year says that 1): CO2 level rose in the past year alone ~2.3 ppm, and is 50% higher comapred to pre-industrial levels. 2) 2024 was the warmest year on record again with ~1.5–1.55 °C 3) 2022–2024 was the largest three-year glacier loss on record 4) Up to ~40% of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting food and water security 5) WHO projects ~250,000 additional deaths per year in 2030–2050 from heat, malnutrition, malaria and diarrhoea alone (without stronger adaptation/mitigation) 6) ~1 million species are threatened with extinction. We need to tools, skills and support to handle this. << Objectives >>The aim has been to develop the knowledge and competences of specialists working with youth regarding eco- and climate anxiety and its mental and social impacts, equipping them with the tools, resources, and methods needed to recognize climate anxiety in young people and to support them in managing and alleviating it.For young people, the aim was to provide practical tools, create space to process climate-related emotions, and build a sense of community and network around what is often an alarmingly lonely experience. By doing so, the project sought to strengthen both individual and collective coping skills in the face of climate anxiety, while improving mental health and overall wellbeing. The goal was to help transform difficult emotions—such as apathy, anxiety, and emotional overload—into empowerment, motivation to take meaningful action, and a stronger sense of belonging. Ultimately, this would encourage young people to participate more actively as engaged citizens and changemakers.<< Implementation >>The project partners developed several intellectual outputs, including a Training Programme, a Handbook, Support Group Guidelines, a Self-Help Workbook, and an educational website. In addition, seven short videos for young people were created, each addressing different aspects of climate anxiety.To complement and implement these outputs, the project also carried out a range of activities: one Train-the-Trainers skill-share event in Estonia, 8 pilot trainings for specialists working with youth across all partner countries, 9 month long pilot of Support Group meetings resulting in 26 sessions in total, a summer camp in Denmark, and 8 dissemination events held among the partner countries.<< Results >>By combining the expertise of environmental organizations, youth workers, and mental health professionals, the project produced concrete outputs: a Training Programme, a Handbook, and Support Group Guidelines for those working with youth—enhancing the quality of youth work and strengthening the capacity to provide adequate support.For young people directly, the project created a Self-Help Workbook, 7 short videos, Anxety Relef Methods For Youth and an educational website, offering practical tools and resources to overcome the paralyzing effects of eco-anxiety.All materials, additional resources, and outputs are available in four languages on the project website: https://calm-ey.eu/