Impact of climate change on young adults

Abstract

Climate change has become a global concern with far-reaching consequences, including effects on mental well-being (Youth Climate Action Report ,2021). It Impacts the overall population but It  has a great  potential of having  psychological and emotional effects on adults as there is more exposure of adults to external climate. As the climate crisis intensifies, individuals are increasingly exposed to extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and the uncertainty surrounding the future. These factors can contribute to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stress. The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of climate change on  157  young adults aged 18-29 years by employing purposive sampling technique. The study employs three main measurement tools, Climate Change Anxiety Scale  (CCAS) ,  Patient Health Questionnaire 9(PHQ), and Environmental Identity Scale  (EIS). Appropriate statistical analysis was  used to analyse the data using SPSS Software (26th Version). The findings will provide insights into the psychological, functional, and experiential consequences of climate change on young adults and contribute to a better understanding of these impacts.The findings revealed a  strong positive correlation between direct encounters with climate-related events, perceptions of climate change as a threat, and functional and emotional impairments that have a negative impact on mental health. Additionally, there was a favourable correlation found between mental health symptoms and behavioural engagement in climate-related activities.