Talking to girls about climate anxiety

Climate change is a long-term change in the Earth’s climate, including temperature and weather patterns.

We know this is a pressing issue our young members are concerned about. In our 2024 Girls' Attitudes Survey, over half of 17-21 year olds told us climate change is their biggest environmental concern. Many girls are growing up aware of the challenges ahead. For some, this awareness can lead to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and fear for the future. This feeling is known as climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety.

As adults, it’s essential that we can talk openly, honestly, and compassionately with young people about climate change and how that makes them feel. Here are our suggestions on how we can start the conversation, support girls’ mental wellbeing, and encourage them to find hope through taking action.

How to talk to young people about climate change

You don't need to be an expert or have all the answers to talk to young people about climate change and the anxiety they may be feeling around the issue. The most powerful conversations can often come from being willing to listen and explore the topic together.

Here are 3 steps to guide productive conversations.

1. Start with what they know. You can start the conversation with open questions like ‘What have you learned about climate change?’ or ‘How do you feel about what’s happening to the planet?’. This creates space for girls to express themselves without worry of being dismissed or overwhelmed.
   Take a look at the Natural History Museum’s resources for teachers, which have lots of ways to get started.
2. Keep it age-appropriate. For Rainbows and Brownies, focus on the wonders of nature and stick to simple concepts like protecting animals or saving energy. Did you know that over half of 7-10 year olds in Girlguiding said their top concern around the environment was loss of nature and animal habitats?
   For Guides and Rangers, you could go deeper into topics like social justice and climate science. Keep the conversation open and inclusive, considering all thoughts and differences of opinions.
3. Leave space for hope. While honesty is important in these conversations, constant focus on negatives can feed anxiety. Balance the facts with positive stories of progress and innovation. Let girls know that while climate change should be taken seriously, there are people all over the world who are working hard to find solutions, and that they too can be part of this! Encourage girls to shape the direction of unit meetings, letting them choose activities that have an environmental focus.

What to do if you’re feeling anxious about climate change

Whether you’re a unit leader or young member, climate anxiety is valid. It’s a sign that you care about the world and its future, and is a natural and rational response to a crisis. Here are some ways to approach these feelings.

• Take time to process the emotion. Sometimes, just saying what you’re feeling out loud can help. Maybe consider sharing how you’re feeling with others in your unit. Let young people know that it’s ok to feel sad, hopeless, or angry.
• Focus on what you can control. Climate change is a massive issue, but there are always meaningful things that we can do, big or small. Redirecting anxious energy into advocacy or action can be empowering. Take a look at environment-related unit activities young people could get involved with, or brainstorm with your unit what small steps you could take together to make a difference.
• Take breaks. While news and social media help us to stay connected with the world, constant stories can be draining and overwhelming. Encourage regular time away from screens and spending more time in nature or with friends. Discover fun things to do in nature with our activity ideas for getting outdoors.
• Stay connected. Spending time as a unit, or with other communities that care about the climate, can be comforting and motivating. Knowing you’re not alone can make a big difference. Get involved as a unit with activities that help you remain connected.

Taking action on climate change together

Taking action can be a powerful way to transform anxiety into hope. There are practical steps that young people (and adults) can take to help feel more hopeful and proactive. No action is too small!

Within Girlguiding, young members (Rainbows to Rangers) can work together to complete their Eco award as a unit, or in groups within their unit.

Here are 5 steps to consider taking together.

1. Raise awareness. Raising awareness about climate change within your school, family, or friendship group can have a real positive impact. Talking about climate issues can be the first step towards change. Acknowledge that people have different thoughts and feelings about climate change, and that it affects people at different levels across the world.
2. Make small lifestyle changes. You can do things like switching to buying second-hand clothing from charity shops or donations from family and friends, reducing single-use plastics, using public transport where possible, and being mindful of energy usage. These are all actions that add up and are ways that young people can see tangible impacts of their choices in day-to-day life.
3. Be an advocate for change. Supporting environmental campaigns or writing to local leaders are just 2 potential ways to get involved in advocacy. Young people have a voice that matters, and we should all encourage them to use it on causes that they care about.
4. Get stuck in! Help take care of the earth directly through community gardening or litter picking. This direct connection can build purpose and pride in your local area.
5. Celebrate progress. Share good news! Make space for conversations about community efforts that are making a difference. This could include organisations that are making positive climate action globally. Hope grows when we notice what is working, not just what’s wrong.

Talking to young people about climate anxiety isn’t about shielding them from the world. It’s about helping them process and take action in different ways. By creating open, safe spaces for these conversations, we can help girls to develop into the next generation of change makers.