Introduction
The impacts of climate change are increasingly felt globally, as millions experience major changes in local climate and environment (IPCC, 2007), with subsequent negative impacts for individuals and communities. Canada is at the frontlines of a changing climate, already warming at 2x the global rate and the Northern regions of Canada at 3x the global rate (Bush & Lemmen, 2019).
In 2016, at the age of 14, I traveled to Arctic Canada on an expedition of 200 people from around the world through the Students on Ice expedition. I witnessed climate change firsthand and learned about its impacts on Northern communities, including how it is negatively influencing health and wellbeing, particularly mental health. In Arctic Canada, melting and unstable sea ice makes it more difficult for community members to hunt, get supplies, and access essential services (Cunsolo Willox, Harper, Ford, Landman, and Houle, 2012). Shifting weather patterns lead to more dangerous travel conditions, leading to more death and injury, as well as stress and anxiety. These ongoing and often rapid changes are also disrupting cultural activities and knowledge sharing, leading to impacts on sense of self and identity (Cunsolo Willox et al., 2012).
However, climate change is not just something happening in the North. Globally, the climate crisis is a major threat to human health and wellbeing. A growing body of research indicates that the mental health effects of climate change are a significant concern, particularly for people Indigenous Peoples, women, children and young people, and the elderly (Hayes, Blashki, Wiseman, Burke, and Reifels, 2018). The mental health impacts of climate change include emotional reactions, psychosocial outcomes, drug and alcohol usage, suicide and suicide ideation, and disruptions to other determinants of health (Hayes et al., 2018).
While there is strong evidence linking climate change to mental health, little literature examines the psychological impacts of climate change on young people that are now so active in climate movements. Limited research indicates that young people may be particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of climate change, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders (Wu, Snell, and Samji, 2020). With increasing numbers of young people being involved in climate action while reporting mental distress because of climate change (Sanson, Hoorn, and Burke, 2019), it is imperative that this area is studied to further understand the ways in which climate change is affecting young people, particularly young climate activities, in Canada.
Research Question
How does climate change impact the mental health of youth climate activists in Canada?
Outcomes
Research on the mental health impacts of climate change in young people in Canada would help identify key risk and strength factors that will aid individuals, organizations, and governments in promoting mental wellbeing for climate activists. Specifically, I will utilize the findings of my research to a) create the basis of a peer-reviewed journal article on my findings; and b) co-create a plain-language report on the findings with youth climate action groups in Canada (such as Climate Strike Canada), which could become the basis for creating mental health resources for young people. This summer, I hope to complete the final journal article and submit it for publishing. I also hope to create a plain language report with my findings and begin engaging with stakeholders to share the findings broadly.