climate crisis and young Londoners' mental health?

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It often feels like we’re bombarded with stories about climate change on a daily basis. Global warming leading to more frequent temperature extremes and disputes around the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels for example has led to growing calls for governments across the world to take positive action.

Add to this the constant availability of information on climate change through the internet and social media, it’s no surprise that the issue is having a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, particularly amongst young people.

Last year, we spoke to Dr Daniella Watson from the Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London about the psychological impact of the climate emergency. One of the things she noted in our article was that children and teenagers are especially worried about the future and “experiencing an array of fluctuating emotions, including anxiety, powerlessness, betrayal and anger.”

According to a survey by The Woodlands Trust, 1 in 3 young people in Britain are either scared, sad or pessimistic about climate change, with 28% saying they feel overwhelmed. In total, 70% of young people are worried about the impact that climate change will have on the planet for future generations.

22 April marks Earth Day – an annual event bringing people together across the world to protect the planet. The theme for this year is ‘Our power, Our planet’ – inviting people to unite behind renewable energy with a target of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

For Good Thinking, London’s digital mental wellbeing service, Earth Day is an opportunity to help young Londoners who are experiencing climate anxiety.

We spoke to a young Londoner about the climate crisis and how they manage their mental health. “It can be overwhelming when you’re constantly hearing negative news about climate change,” they told us. “But I’ve found that focusing on actionable steps helps reduce the anxiety I feel about the bigger picture.”

You can find tips on climate action for young people, plus links to Good Thinking resources and other useful websites, in this article. Because, no matter your age, even the smallest action can have a positive impact on your wellbeing and our planet.

We asked Yusuf, who lives in London and who is one of Good Thinking’s Digital Health Ambassadors, how the climate crisis makes them feel and what steps they take to cope with it.

Do you worry about climate change?

Yes, especially because it feels like people are still not taking it seriously enough. One of my biggest concerns is the widespread denial of climate change and how some people don’t realise the negative impact of their actions. It’s also alarming to see how many people are already suffering because of it, particularly in countries with fewer resources. When I think about places like Jakarta, which are already feeling the effects but don’t have the means to protect themselves, it makes me feel both angry and anxious. I also feel frustrated because I often see that the younger generation is expected to fix a problem that we didn’t create, while those who caused it seem to ignore it. This leads to a sense of hopelessness but, at the same time, it motivates me to try and make a difference.

Do you think London faces any unique challenges when it comes to climate change?

It’s a very densely populated city and, with so many cars on the road, this contributes significantly to air pollution, despite efforts like the ULEZ. London also attracts a lot of tourists, and the number of flights and airports here contributes to a huge amount of CO2 emissions. Plus, the city’s infrastructure is not always geared towards sustainability—there are still problems with waste management, and the sheer volume of rubbish in some areas is staggering. Another issue is that policies like ULEZ, although positive in reducing pollution, can hit lower-income people harder because they may not be able to afford electric cars. So, while London is taking steps in the right direction, there are still challenges in balancing sustainability with social equity.

How has climate change impacted you or your community?

Personally, I haven’t faced drastic effects yet, but I’ve noticed the more extreme weather patterns affecting people around me. I see families struggling to afford the extra heating costs during colder spells, and that really highlights the economic divide when it comes to climate change. People from lower-income backgrounds are hit hardest, and it’s frustrating to see them dealing with issues like rising energy bills while the wealthier people can afford the green alternatives. The extreme weather is more than just an inconvenience – it impacts everyday life in ways that people don’t often think about. And while London has good public transport, I’ve noticed that it’s still not as green or efficient as it could be, and that makes it harder for people to make eco-friendly choices.

What changes would you like to see in your local area to address climate issues?

I’d like to see a lot more emphasis on waste management and recycling in my neighbourhood. It seems like there’s always rubbish on the streets, and it feels like the system isn’t working as well as it should. More frequent collection of waste would help reduce pollution, and I think there should be stronger rules about recycling, so people are more encouraged to do it properly. I’d also like to see more bike lanes and infrastructure to support cycling, especially since it’s a much greener alternative to driving. More green buildings would also be a great change – buildings that retain heat in winter would be especially helpful for families who need to save on energy costs. Overall, the focus needs to be on making sustainable options easier and more accessible for everyone.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing when you’re experiencing climate anxiety?

It can definitely be overwhelming, especially when you’re constantly hearing negative news about climate change. I find that talking about it with friends or family really helps – just sharing how we feel and brainstorming what we can do about it makes me feel less helpless. Sometimes, I take a break from the news, because it can get so overwhelming, and I need to give myself some space from all the negativity. I focus on the small things I can do – like walking more, trying to reduce my waste, and being more conscious of my energy usage. I also try journaling to work through my feelings and make sure I’m not just bottling everything up. It’s a challenge but I’ve found that focusing on actionable steps helps reduce the anxiety I feel about the bigger picture.

What message about climate change would you like to give to London’s leaders?

I would say: please act now and stop pushing back deadlines. It’s great to talk about climate change and set targets but, at some point, we need to see real action. I think the goals set for 2050 are too far off and, if we keep pushing things back, the situation is only going to get worse. We need more funding for sustainable solutions and policies that actually work – not just talk. I’d also like to see stronger enforcement around recycling and waste management. It’s not just about talking about it; it’s about taking steps to ensure that businesses and people are held accountable. I want leaders to make it easier for everyone to get involved in combating climate change, especially by making green choices more accessible to people from all walks of life.