‘Where are the butterflies': youth climate emotions and coping mechanisms

The climate crisis disproportionately affects the mental health of young people due to their extended life-course exposure, the unique developmental and psychosocial vulnerabilities of adolescence, and their limited agency in mitigation efforts. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of climate emotions and processing on the wellbeing of young people (aged 15–25). We designed a qualitative study, with a small youth advisory group and a young researcher, using a photovoice methodology through focus groups and individual interviews. We identified a range of emotional reactions to the sociopolitical realities of climate change, including worry, fear, anger, frustration, sadness and empathy. We develop the current understanding of wellbeing to consider these emotions as well as the complex psychological coping mechanisms as a response to these emotions through the use of humour and disengagement. Such findings have implications for mental health responses and climate change education with young people. To support young people in climate change adaptation efforts, we need to ensure that we appropriately acknowledge the challenging emotions associated with climate change and the implications for coping mechanisms for climate engagement and the mental health of young people.