A systematic review of emotional experiences of climate change and extreme weather events among children and adolescents: Implications for mental health and climate action - 13/11/26

Doi : 10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100758

Yumiko Coffey ^a,^{^{1
These authors have contributed equally}}, Marg Rogers ^a, Nicola Schutte ^a, Navjot Bhullar ^a,^b,^{^{1
These authors have contributed equally},}^⁎

^a University of New England, Australia

^b Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Australia

^⁎ Corresponding author.

Highlights

•	Children and adolescents experience both negative and positive emotional responses to climate change, which impact their mental health and engagement in climate action.
•	Media exposure, direct experiences of climate impacts, and perceived agency shape how these emotions affect mental health and participation in climate initiatives.
•	Practitioners and caregivers play a vital role in sharing optimistic messages to encourage environmentally friendly behaviors.
•	Recognizing and validating climate-related emotions in children and adolescents can boost their sense of agency and empower them to engage in climate discussions.

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Abstract

Objective

This systematic review critically evaluated evidence on the emotions that children and adolescents experience regarding climate change and extreme weather events, as well as their relationship to mental health and climate action.

Methods

After screening and quality assessment, 30 studies (18 quantitative, 6 qualitative, 6 mixed methods) were analyzed via narrative synthesis.

Results

Children and adolescents exhibit diverse emotional responses to climate change and extreme weather events, which impact their mental health and climate engagement. Media, direct climate experiences, and perceptions of agency influence these emotions. Supportive communication and engagement foster resilience and pro-environmental action.

Conclusions

Climate-related emotions, such as eco-anxiety, in children and adolescents are valid responses to a real and ongoing crisis. Some emotions contribute to distress, while others motivate constructive engagement, supporting calls to avoid pathologizing these responses. Promoting agency, validating feelings and fostering hope through communication, education, and collective action are vital. Future research should focus on Indigenous youth and younger children, and on developing age-appropriate frameworks for understanding climate emotions.

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Keywords : Climate change, Climate-related emotions, Eco-anxiety, Mental health, Climate action, Children, Adolescents