Climate Anxiety: A Rational Response, Not a Psychological Issue, Experts Urge Education Over Censorship
April 29, 2025
Effective educational strategies include outdoor classes, the introduction of sustainable technologies, and involving students in climate action, which can help foster a sense of agency.
In a concerning move, the U.S. Commerce Department recently ended a partnership with Princeton University that aimed to enhance understanding of climate systems, citing worries over promoting exaggerated climate threats and 'climate anxiety' among youth.
This decision is viewed as part of a broader trend of climate denialism, where opponents of climate action argue that climate change is not a serious issue and that addressing it could lead to greater harm.
Surveys reveal that a significant majority of young people are concerned about climate change, with 84% of 10,000 surveyed individuals aged 16-25 expressing worries in a 2021 report.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, a 2022 UNICEF report noted that nearly 250 million children experienced disruptions in their education due to climate-related disasters.
However, misinformation and extreme views about climate change are rampant on social media, complicating the narrative for young people attempting to grasp the issue.
The article concludes that ignoring climate-related anxiety will not be beneficial; instead, a government genuinely concerned about youth should prioritize providing proper education and resources rather than resorting to censorship.
To address these challenges, the author advocates for teaching climate science in schools by trained professionals who can effectively manage students' emotions and provide balanced perspectives.
The article emphasizes that climate anxiety is a rational response to real threats posed by climate change, rather than a psychological issue, underscoring the necessity for accurate climate education.
The article critiques the previous administration's approach to climate change, likening it to ignoring warnings on a sinking ship, which reflects a dangerous disregard for the impending crisis.
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The Royal Gazette | Bermuda News, Business, Sports, Events, & Community - • Apr 29, 2025
Climate denialism helps no one