A recent survey reveals that 94% of Indian youth are grappling with eco-anxiety amid the climate crisis.
The escalating effects of climate change are no longer distant threats; they are immediate challenges disrupting the daily lives, mental health, education, and aspirations of India’s youth. From anxiety about the future to displacement caused by extreme weather events, today’s youngsters are uniquely vulnerable to the psychological and socio-economic consequences of environmental degradation. A recent survey reveals that 94% of Indian youth are grappling with eco-anxiety amid the climate crisis.
Climate Change and the Mental Health Crisis among Youth
A recent nationwide survey found that 88% of Indian youth between 14 and 25 years have observed environmental changes in their regions over the past five to seven years. This is not merely an observation; it carries an emotional burden. Half of the surveyed youth reported increased levels of stress and anxiety due to these changes. As reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), children and young people are particularly at risk for climate anxiety.
With 45% of schools closing during extreme weather events and a 32% reduction in outdoor activities, young people are experiencing a significant decline in physical activity and social interaction—both essential for holistic development. The disruption of routines and school life leads to educational interruptions and anxiety. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report confirms that long-term psychological effects from climate change—including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress—are likely to rise, further exacerbating existing mental health challenges.
Eco-Anxiety: A Growing Psychological Toll
Eco-anxiety, a term increasingly used to describe the emotional distress associated with climate change, is becoming more common among today’s youth population. As per a UN-backed study, about 70% of Indian youth are at least somewhat worried about the future effects of climate change, expressing feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.
Another study conducted in 2024 by Christ University showed that many of the 200 surveyed young participants, aged 18 to 24 years, held a deeply pessimistic vision of the future—foreseeing a world overwhelmed by concrete jungles and air so polluted that oxygen cylinders may become a necessity. Such dystopian expectations reflect a crisis of confidence and emotional fatigue among the youth.
Extreme temperatures are not just uncomfortable; they are potentially deadly. Increased heat stress could lead to 34 million job losses if sustainable development strategies are not implemented.
Solutions Rooted in Science and Sustainability
As climate anxiety rises among youth, science-based solutions like sustainable agriculture can support both environmental recovery and restore hope and agency in young minds. One critical sector where this dual impact is possible is agriculture. Transforming agriculture to be more sustainable can be critical for building resilience—both environmentally and economically.
Climate-resilient agriculture offers a powerful mitigation strategy. As agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (such as methane and nitrous oxide), transforming this sector is crucial. At TERI’s Sustainable Agriculture Division, some of the ongoing projects aim to:
- Promote rapid micropropagation of resilient planting material to ensure year-round food security. The Micropropagation Technology Park (MTP) of TERI has produced and supplied over 70 million quality planting materials across the country. The MTP has the potential to standardize production according to the specific needs of plants, playing a decisive role in the climate-resilient plantation of various species.
- Boost crop productivity and improve plant health and immunity using microbial biofertilizers. These microbial consortia additionally contribute to climate resilience through enhanced environmental stress tolerance and capability to withstand pathogen attacks in the field.
- Enhance nutrient-use efficiency, improve soil health, and reduce water pollution by developing highly effective and environmentally safe biogenic nanofertilizers. This technology can provide beneficial outcomes for farmers in India and South Asia.
- Support coastal community livelihoods by building adaptive capacity and increasing access to climate-resilient technologies. This includes capacity building and the development of alternative livelihoods for the economic security of coastal communities, increased adoption of climate-resilient practices, and improved access to climate-resilient inputs and technologies, along with enhanced awareness and understanding of coastal ecosystems.
- Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through climate-smart practices.
These solutions not only lower emissions but also offer psychosocial relief to young people who feel powerless against the climate crisis. For young minds, sustainable agriculture holds the promise of a more hopeful and resilient future.
The Way Forward: From Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Action
Youth are not just the most affected—they are also the most invested in finding solutions. Research institutions and other organizations can be a beacon of hope by developing practical, science-backed strategies for sustainable living. With coordinated efforts across government, academia, and youth leaders, India can transform eco-anxiety into eco-action—paving the way for a more resilient and hopeful future.
To strengthen this transformation, it is essential to meaningfully involve youth in climate solutions through green skills training, active participation in climate policy forums, and promotion of school and university-led sustainability initiatives as well as innovation challenges. Integrating climate education into the national curriculum will equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to drive change. At the same time, supporting mental health interventions tailored to climate-related distress is critical for their well-being. Finally, creating platforms for intergenerational dialogue will empower youth voices and foster collaborative, inclusive approaches to tackling the climate crisis.