Bibliographic details:
Lalal, N., Mishal, S., Padhi, A., Sharma, A., Audhkhasi, A., Arora, P., ... & Samar, S. (2022). Eco-Anxiety: Impact on Generation Z’s Mental Health and the Contemporary Significance of Environmental Awareness and Education. International Journal of Policy Sciences and Law, 2(02”), 3313-3331.
Abstract:
The escalating impacts of climate change and global warming are jeopardizing humanity’s future on earth. Lack of action against the matter has proliferated the occurrence as well as the intensity of natural calamities. Moreover, several species around the world are undergoing a decline in their population, suggesting that the 6th mass extinction is well underway. Owing to such devastating repercussions of climate change and the persistent human interference with nature, environmental concerns are now affecting the mental health of most human beings. “Eco-anxiety”, the persistent worry about the future of earth due to the ongoing climate crisis, global warming, and environmental degradation, is very much prevalent today. This paper dives deep into the matter by predominantly focussing on the impact of climate change on Generation Z’s mental health, as they are the upcoming leaders who will be running the world in the near future. Through shedding light on past events that have brought about the current status quo, the paper discusses a brief timeline of climate change and environmental degradation. The latter part of the paper particularly focuses on how the youth is coping with environmental degradation and climate anxiety, and what significance can environmental awareness and education have on guaranteeing them a safe future have then been analysed. After meticulous evaluation, the authors discuss potential solutions that can help relieve the burden youth feel to take care of our precious environment. The subject matter aims to comply with three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forth by the United Nations, namely: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)