Young people aged 15-24 are highly vulnerable to climate change’s mental health impacts, necessitating urgent policy interventions
National, 03 April 2025: From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea levels increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding, climate change’s impacts are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. A comprehensive study by Primus Partners titled “The Cost of Climate Change: Young Voices in a Warming World” has highlighted significant findings on the effects of climate change on the mental health of young adults aged 15-24.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Mental Health Impact on Youth: Anxiety and stress are the most prevalent climate-induced mental health issues, affecting 26% of respondents in this age group. Of the 46% who reported experiencing mental health issues owing to climatic changes, only 33% are aware of available support services
- Economic Implications: Climate-induced mental health challenges in the 15-24 age group could lead to a potential annual financial loss of approximately USD 13.7 billion, equating to 0.35% of India’s current GDP. This loss is part of a broader 6% GDP reduction associated with health complications
- Global Context and Public Health Concerns: According to the WHO, climate change could contribute to an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to extreme weather events’ impact on mortality and morbidity. A 2020 Royal College of Psychiatrists study found that 60% of child and adolescent psychiatrists in the UK’s NHS had seen a patient distressed about environmental and ecological issues
- Awareness Levels: 56% of respondents aged 15-18 and 60% of those aged 19-24 express significant awareness of climate change’s mental health implications, with 39% and 44%, respectively, feeling its significant impact on their mental well-being
The Road Ahead:
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Head of Community Psychiatry, NIMHANS, emphasized, “Policies need to integrate mental health support with climate resilience strategies, particularly for children and adolescents. This could involve integrating climate-change education in school curricula, developing targeted psychosocial support services, and ensuring that disaster response mechanisms are child-sensitive.”
As a strategic response, the study recommends:
- Developing a national policy integrating climate-related mental health strategies into the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
- Specialized training for school counselors on climate change-induced psychological stress and establishing effective referral mechanisms
- Strengthening outreach for mental health services by enhancing Tele-MANAS and increasing awareness through government-led campaigns involving Community Health Officers (CHOs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)
Prof. Dr. Sanjay Zodpey, President of PHFI, stated, “Through a multidisciplinary lens, this document delves into the scientific, psychological, and policy dimensions of climate-induced mental health challenges.”
Nilaya Varma, Co-Founder & CEO, Primus Partners, highlighted, “This study will lay the foundation for further research in this field and serve as a guiding framework for policy development to address the growing crisis of climate change and its impact on mental health. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrating mental health considerations into climate policies, ensuring that young people, who are among the most affected, have access to adequate support mechanisms. By strengthening outreach, enhancing awareness, and embedding climate resilience into public health strategies, we can take proactive steps toward mitigating the long-term socio-economic consequences of climate-induced mental health challenges.”
Vivek Tandon, VP, Health Practice, Primus Partners, further informed that “the study shreds light on the disproportionate effect of climate change on gender, with more females reporting its impact than men. This paves the path for further research on this from a gender lens.”