A SURVEY of 8800 of people aged 15 to 19 has found that those concerned about climate change were more likely to have higher psychological distress and “low wellbeing”.
Mission Australia, youth organisation Orygen and academics at the University of Melbourne rated their mental health as “poor or fair”.
Youth mental health provider Headspace reported similar results after surveying more than 3000 18 to 25 year olds.
The respondents were increasingly worried about their future, concerned that they would not have the same options that their parents had and would like to see more action taken on the challenge of climate change.
Peninsula Voice says “eco-anxiety”, the fear and stress felt about climate change, is being worsened by repeated natural disasters and plans to “shine a light” on the issue during its 29 February event, Climate Change – our home, our future.
“Topics like bushfires and floods, temperature and sea level rises, damage to our native flora and fauna are confronting us daily, but there’s less talk about what is being done to address it,” Peninsula Voice convenor Peter Orton said.
“Anxiety eases when we take action, so we want to provide this hope to our community by sharing stories of local initiatives.”
The event would see experts in climate change and human health share the latest evidence of the global and local picture and the efforts being made to address climate change “and the steps we can all take to make a difference”.
Orton said the work of 19-year-old Sam Lundberg, who lives on the peninsula, was “a really good example”.
Lundberg volunteered with Zero Positive, a non-profit youth organisation that led initiatives to guide Australian schools towards emission neutrality while fostering positive mental attitudes towards climate action.
“He’s currently working with Peninsula Grammar on a five-year plan to become emissions neutral and is also chairing the Melbourne branch for Zero Positive’s subsidiary GenZero, a youth climate advisory board.”
Other speakers include Melbourne University Professor David Karoly (Climate Change on a global front) and Monash University Associate Professor Angie Bone (Climate Change and human health).
“We’ll also hear from Repower and local action to reduce carbon emissions and the climate change team from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council,” Orton said.
Climate Change – our home, our future, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Thursday 29 February at Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington.
For details and to register go to: peninsulavoice.org.au
First published in the Mornington News – 20 February 2024
