A groundbreaking new study published in The Lancet, reveals that climate change is fueling a mental health crisis among young people, with 85 per cent of nearly 16,000 respondents in the U.S. reporting significant distress.
Although this study focuses on the U.S., the close connection between our two countries makes it highly likely that the same impacts are being felt in Canada. In fact, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CAMH) has acknowledged that "the climate crisis is affecting mental health in ways no one has seen before."
Multiple crises are likely converging in ways that strain our collective resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic affected us all, leaving many of us mentally and socially weakened. This mental strain has been amplified by a surge of disinformation, growing political polarization and the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.
Also, the data is overwhelming that mental health issues are being exacerbated by phones and computers. Social media platforms are unregulated and thrive on polarization. They have captured our attention, while unscrupulous actors have poured vast resources into flooding these spaces with extreme content and relentless disinformation. This calculated onslaught has left many feeling confused, disoriented and misinformed about climate solutions.
For the sake of our youth, we must directly confront the primary causes of the climate crisis and the disinformation that surrounds it. Fossil fuels are responsible for around 85 per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, the most significant greenhouse gas driving climate change.
For decades, fossil fuel companies have misled the public, but the tide is finally turning. In a recent U.S. court ruling (Aloha Petroleum v. National Union Fire Insurance), AIG Insurance successfully argued that fossil fuel companies were fully aware of the climate risks their operations posed. This decision marks a pivotal step toward climate accountability, with major institutions now holding these companies responsible.
This shift is crucial, as nearly a quarter of Americans live in jurisdictions currently suing oil companies for climate misinformation.
Politicians who buy into climate disinformation are failing our youth. Imagine the impact on young people’s mental health if fossil fuel pollution in Canada rises after the next federal election, just as it did in Ontario after the Progressive Conservatives were elected. We must demand that every candidate offers a clear, actionable climate plan — and hold them accountable if they fall short.
Most Canadians worry about climate change, but many feel quickly overwhelmed and isolated.
Thus, a key antidote is to join with others. This will help alleviate climate trauma, post-pandemic loneliness and internet and cell phone addiction issues.
It's important to note our youth are not giving up. Canada was the first country outside of Europe to initiate Fridays For Future strikes on November 2, 2018. While the pandemic slowed participation and some youth aged out, Fridays For Future activists are still active across Canada today—in Halifax, St. John’s, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Muskoka, Sudbury, Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, Edmonton, Vancouver, Qualicum Beach, and many other cities. Join them and show your support!
Many cities also have local networks of climate-concerned citizens that are doing exemplary climate work. Starting in 2018, over 650 Canadian municipalities have declared a climate emergency, including Milton in 2019. More recently, cities are endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty too, which calls for a managed phase-out of fossil fuels globally.
Thank you for reading this on a curated news site. In an age where disinformation runs rampant, supporting professional journalism is more crucial than ever. Our democracy and our future depend on it.
People are actively working to create a safe and healthy environment for future generations. Join them in this effort—it will contribute to the well-being of ourselves and our youth.
Cathy Orlando is National Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada and Director of Programs at Citizens’ Climate International.
Donna Freedman is Group Leader of the Milton, ON Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada
