Burnout on a burning planet – How young people face climate anxiety?

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

Climate change represents one of the most serious challenges of modern society, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, the global economy, and public health. Among the most vulnerable groups are children and adolescents, whose development is particularly sensitive to environmental changes and the effects of extreme weather events. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) warns that climate change negatively impacts children's fundamental rights, including the right to health, safety, and quality education.

Beyond physical consequences such as increased prevalence of respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and nutritional insecurity, the psychological impact of climate change is also gaining attention. The concept of climate anxiety refers to feelings of stress, fear, sadness, and helplessness that individuals experience due to ecological changes and a perceived lack of adequate action at both global and local levels (Clayton, 2020). Young people are especially susceptible to this form of anxiety due to feelings of powerlessness and uncertainty regarding their future. Recent research in Australia indicates that climate anxiety is increasingly affecting individuals of all ages, particularly children and youth, leading to various forms of distress and difficult emotions (Crandon J.T. et. al, 2024). Another research suggests that children and adolescents experience a wide range of emotions in relation to climate change, with worry and anxiety being the most frequently reported, and these emotions are positively associated with mental health outcomes (Treble M., Cosma A., Martin G., 2023).

Research suggests that young people play a crucial role in addressing climate change, both as current activists and as future decision-makers (Steffen et al., 2015). However, studies indicate that despite a growing awareness of environmental issues, there is a lack of systematic research on the attitudes and behaviors of youth in Croatia concerning climate change (Ančić, Puđak & Domazet, 2016; European Commission, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021). Existing studies on Croatian citizens generally show a positive attitude toward environmental protection, with an increasing perception of climate change as a serious issue (Šimac, Trako Poljak & Ivanović, 2021).

Moreover, while global movements such as Fridays for Future, initiated by Greta Thunberg in 2018, have mobilized young people worldwide, including Croatians in 2019, there is still insufficient research on how Croatian adolescents engage with climate action and what factors influence their environmental behavior. Some studies suggest that gender and educational background significantly impact environmental attitudes, with female students generally showing greater concern for climate change and a higher inclination toward pro-environmental behaviors than male students (Dolenec & Pejnović, 2014; Cvetković, 2017; Henn, Sloam & Nunes, 2022). Furthermore, education plays a key role in shaping environmental consciousness, yet the Croatian school system lacks a dedicated climate change curriculum, with sustainability topics primarily integrated into broader interdisciplinary themes (Hrgović, 2019).

This study examines young people's perceptions of climate change, the prevalence of climate anxiety, its impact on mental health, and behavioral responses to environmental challenges in Croatia. It explores key sources of climate information, emotional and psychological reactions, and the perceived ability to contribute to climate mitigation through individual or collective actions.

METHODOLOGY

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review with a quantitative survey, to provide a comprehensive understanding of young people's perceptions of climate change, climate anxiety, and behavioral responses. The literature review synthesizes existing research on climate change awareness, climate anxiety, and youth engagement in environmental action, drawing from international and Croatian studies. This contextual framework allows us to compare findings across different socio-political environments and identify gaps in previous research.

Building on insights from the literature, a survey will be conducted among high school and university students aged 16 to 25 in Croatia. The survey is designed to assess the level of awareness regarding climate change, emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies related to environmental challenges. It examines respondents' basic informations, their awareness of climate change, attitudes toward its severity, and perceived impact on daily life. The survey also investigates the emotional effects of climate change, such as worry, stress, and mental health changes and explores experiences with extreme weather events and climate-related health issues.

The data analysis will involve both qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. The literature review will be analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying key themes and patterns related to climate change awareness and climate anxiety.The survey data will be analyzed using statistical techniques to examine patterns and relationships among variables. Findings from the survey will be compared with insights from the literature review to contextualize results within broader international and Croatian research. By integrating both statistical and qualitative analysis, this approach will provide a nuanced understanding of young people's perceptions, emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies regarding climate change in Croatia.

THE RESULTS

The findings of this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how young people in Croatia perceive climate change, experience climate anxiety, and respond behaviorally to environmental challenges. The literature review highlights that youth worldwide are increasingly aware of climate change and its potential impacts, yet their levels of engagement and emotional responses vary across different cultural and educational contexts. While international research has demonstrated that factors such as gender, education, and media influence youth attitudes toward climate change (Dolenec & Pejnović, 2014; Henn, Sloam & Nunes, 2022), Croatian studies suggest that young people report relatively low self-assessed awareness compared to their European peers (Oliver & Adkins, 2020).

Through this study, we aim to bridge this research gap by directly examining Croatian adolescents' and young adults' perspectives for the first time. The survey results will reveal whether Croatian youth exhibit similar trends in climate anxiety and engagement as their international counterparts or whether there are unique national patterns that require targeted policy responses. By comparing our findings with prior research from other countries, it will be  evaluated how Croatian youth's attitudes align with or differ from global trends and identify potential areas for intervention.

Moreover, this study will provide valuable insights for developing educational programs that address climate anxiety and foster proactive engagement. Previous studies suggest that integrating climate education into school curricula and promoting participatory environmental initiatives can enhance young people's sense of agency and resilience (Hrgović, 2019; European Commission, 2021).

By positioning the Croatian context within the broader international discourse on climate change and youth engagement, this research aims to inform policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals about the challenges and opportunities related to climate anxiety among young people. Future research should expand on these findings by exploring longitudinal trends in climate anxiety and examining the effectiveness of different intervention strategies in promoting youth resilience and environmental engagement.