Youth anxious about climate change: Survey

NEW DELHI: Researchers from University of Bath, United Kingdom, and other schools, conducted a survey for a forthcoming study on the effects of climate change. The researchers talked to 10,000 people from 10 countries between the age of 16 and 25. The respondents also said that the governments are not doing enough to combat climate change.

The scientists involved in the study said that countries are not coming up with right forms of bold policies in order to avert the effects of climate change. The survey also shows that the younger population across the world is informed about how widespread and dangerous political inactions on climate change can be.

The study mentioned that there is a relation between negative emotions and beliefs that the response of governments on climate change is inadequate. The way these governments are handling the climate change situation is directly affecting the mental health of the younger population. Positive emotions such as optimism was reported least among the respondents, the researchers added.

According to the survey, 77 per cent considered the future to be frightening and for young population, the feelings of worry and fear affect their ability to function. The representative countries included United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, France, Finland, India, Nigeria, Portugal and the Philippines.