ON THE CLIMATE FRONTLINE

Today's youth are growing up in an era shaped by climate uncertainty. And as the crisis worsens, so does the emotional burden on an entire generation

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Climate change is no longer something that's looming in the distant future. From more intense heatwaves and unpredictable rainfall to rising sea levels and frequent natural disasters, the planet is undergoing rapid transformation.

What was once a conversation focused mainly on melting glaciers and endangered species has now expanded into a broader crisis, touching nearly every aspect of human life. Yet, while the environmental and economic consequences have become central to global discussions, one crucial dimension remains underexplored: the psychological toll, especially on young people.

Young people today are far more aware of the world around them. They are hyper-connected through the internet and social media, receiving real-time updates on climatic disasters. This constant exposure to distressing news not only creates a sense of urgency, but also a feeling of helplessness.

The emotional impact of this is now being recognised with terms like "ecoanxiety," "climate grief" and "climate trauma" becoming part of the public vocabulary. These are not passing worries-they are deep-rooted fears about an unstable future and a planet in crisis.

Young and Vulnerable

Global temperatures have risen by about 1.1°C from pre-industrial levels, unleashing a chain reaction of consequences: melting ice cover, rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns and frequent natural disasters.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), over 3.6bn people live in areas considered highly vulnerable to climate-related impacts. For those in these regions, the threat is not abstract-it's personal, immediate and unavoidable.