Experts say climate change is making young people distressed, with a significant number reporting that their emotions negatively impact their daily lives. This concern has been validated by a survey indicating that over 50% of youth in the U.S. are extremely worried about climate change.
Jennifer Atkinson emphasizes the importance of discussing climate change not just from a scientific perspective but also acknowledging students' emotional responses. Creating a compassionate space for these discussions is crucial in helping students cope with their feelings about climate change.
Students find immense comfort in shared experiences during climate grief classes. Professor Atkinson notes that the most valuable benefit they derive is from being with peers who understand and normalize their emotions surrounding climate anxiety.
Atkinson's climate grief class has seen growing interest since it was first offered in 2017, highlighting the urgent need for educational spaces where young people can process their feelings about climate change and seek mutual support.
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