22TRA233 Reducing climate anxiety through action!

Climate change has important implications for the future of children and young people.  However, they have the least power to limit harm and effect positive change which makes them vulnerable to climate anxiety.  A study published in the Lancet, which surveyed 10 000 children and young people aged 16-25years, found that 59% were very or extremely worried and 84% were at least moderately worried.  More than 50% reported each of the following emotions: sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty.  75% said that they think the future is frightening and 83% said that they think people have failed to take care of the planet.  

Schools are well placed to help students manage their eco-anxiety by providing opportunities for students to work with others in taking climate and ecological action.  In this panel discussion students will be discussing the individual projects they have been running in their schools and community.  Students will be speaking about their Nature Trail & Nature Room, Climate Cafe, Plant a Planet Campaign and their Environmental Influencer Course.  They will speak to the benefits of taking action and how schools can support students to realise their own agency to make positive change.

Come along and get some ideas and get energised to take action!  The students were talking on RTE Radio 1 Countrywide recently.  Listen in to get a flavour of what you will hear in this session.