Climate Change Impacts Wellbeing of UK Children

Millions of children across the UK say climate change is impacting their wellbeing after experiencing extreme heatwaves, wildfires and flooding. Teenagers have said this year's extreme heat has left them feeling "powerless" and "hopeless" for the future, with experts explaining that climate anxiety is a sense of fear and worry linked to the changing climate.

Nearly two-thirds of secondary school children (about 3.4 to 3.6 million pupils) experience mental health symptoms linked to environmental concern, according to the British Science Association. Elsie Brewer, 18, and Dylan Martch-Harry, 21, both from Wiltshire, said they have experienced climate anxiety first hand as a result of 2026's hottest summer on record and reading news headlines.

Experts have urged parents to validate the emotions of children dealing with climate anxiety, warning it can leave them feeling isolated. Educational psychologist Dan O'Hare from the University of Bristol said climate anxiety is not limited to emotions of concern, but might also be anger and rage. He added that the physical experience of climate change affects psychological state as well.

Charities and community groups are working to help young people cope with climate anxiety. Another Way, a youth-led environmental and educational charity, hosts monthly drop-in sessions where people can talk about their feelings. The Great Big Climate Circus, run by Creative Sustainability, is a project aimed at helping young people reconnect with nature in a fun way. Mental Health UK suggests getting involved with youth action small groups as a way for young people to feel more at ease.