Research Outputs
Project Summary Infographic
Living Umbrella Review
This umbrella review synthesizes findings from 20 reviews on climate and eco-anxiety among youth and young adults (YYA) to identify key themes, knowledge gaps, and priorities for research, policy, and practice. The review found that existing evidence syntheses often lack methodological rigor, clear conceptual definitions, and meaningful youth engagement. Seven major coping themes emerged, including climate action, perspective reframing, media engagement, emotional regulation, social and nature-based connections, education, and skill-building.
Overall, climate and eco-anxiety are generally understood as valid, non-pathological responses to climate change. However, there remains limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific coping strategies and interventions. The review highlights several priorities, including centering youth voices, enhancing support and training for educators, parents, and mental health professionals, evaluating coping interventions, strengthening climate education and communication, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations.
To ensure that this evidence base remains current throughout the project, our team will conduct updated literature searches at regular intervals and produce brief summary reports of new and emerging findings. These updates will allow the umbrella review to be refreshed over time, ensuring that project activities, recommendations, and knowledge translation efforts reflect the most recent research on climate and eco-anxiety among youth and young adults. Collectively, the review and ongoing evidence updates provide a comprehensive roadmap for supporting youth well-being, resilience, and adaptive responses to growing climate-related emotional distress.
Field of Practice Report
This report presents findings from a national survey of Canadian organizations that support youth and young adults (YYA) experiencing climate emotions and anxiety. Conducted as Phase 1 of a larger SSHRC-funded research project, the study analyzed responses from 21 organizations across Canada to map the current field of practice. Organizations identified climate emotions as part of a broader youth mental health crisis, highlighting service gaps, youth vulnerability, limited decision-making power, and the need to build resilience and capacity for action. Common support approaches included mental health and emotional regulation strategies, community-building and peer support, educational resources, creative expression, nature-based programming, and climate action initiatives. The report found that organizations prioritize relational and therapeutic approaches that help youth process emotions, reduce isolation, and foster hope and empowerment. However, important gaps remain, including limited regional and rural access, underrepresentation of Indigenous-, Francophone-, and BIPOC-led initiatives, and a need for more culturally grounded and justice-oriented supports. The findings provide a foundation for future dialogue, collaboration, and program development in supporting youth climate well-being.