The Students Organising for Sustainability in the United Kingdom (SOS - UK) researched the feelings of students in both higher and further education on climate change. This blog will summarize an article with the reflections of Dr. Rhiannon Thompson from Imperial College London School of Public Health on the research.

First, what is Climate Change?

This concept can be described as the shift in the earth’s temperature and average weather patterns. The use of fossil fuels around the world has caused fast changes as of recent, and Scientists warn of shifts in the planetary system that can result in damage that cannot be reversed. Students are among the group of people who are most likely to engage with climate issues and feel “worry” and “distress” because of the risk they pose to humanity.

The research found that out of the 2,503 students that were surveyed, 77% were “very worried” or “fairly worried” about climate change and its effects. The study also cited various findings from other research projects from the wider population in Great Britain and around the world. According to these, the consensus appears to be that people from 16-34 are most likely to be either “very worried” or “fairly worried” about climate change.

The survey also asked the students how strongly they feel various emotions in relation to climate change. They found “interested” (69%), “helpless” (63%), “anxious” (51%) and “angry” (50%) were the most felt emotions. Respondents were also asked whether their thoughts on Climate change interfere with their wellbeing.  Therefore, though many experience negative emotions, only a minority felt that it actively disrupted their wellbeing. Dr. Thompson implores us to remember that negative or challenging emotions themselves are not a bad thing or a mental health problem. Researchers have argued that it is "adaptive and rational" to experience challenging emotions because of climate change. Additionally, there is mixed evidence on whether challenging emotions like anxiety motivate climate action, the evidence is mixed and may depend on the emotions themselves or other psychological constructs.

However, for a sizeable minority, these worries are not constructive and are actively dysfunctional. Evidence was also found that worries about climate change are correlated with mental health issues  but the direction of this relationship isn’t entirely clear.

But what do we do about this? What can people do if they’re struggling? The article makes a few suggestions:

• Seek support and community by finding others to talk to 
• Take a break from news and media about climate change or moderate your information.
• Do something about it by getting involved in activism

Despite this, top-down political and systemic change is also required to combat climate change. Whilst there’s a lot you can do personally for your own mental health and to help the planet, it’s important you remember that it’s not your job to solve climate change and you shouldn’t blame yourself for struggling with it. The article suggests that you monitor your wellbeing and keep your life balanced, including time where you don’t think about climate change (e.g. time with friends and family, in nature, exercising, doing hobbies and creative activities).

Here at the SU, we host “Climate Chats and Cake” events where you can come and speak to others who also care about these changes in our environment. Sessions involve guided discussion, opportunities to share thoughts and feelings and hear from experts and guests.

Click on this link to find out where and when the next one will be: https://www.thestudentsunion.co.uk/getinvolved/thegreenteam/events/