Nature disconnection and eco-anxiety: what’s happening to young people?

A recent study by the University of Adelaide has explored the rise of eco-anxiety and nature disconnection among young people. Analysing 122 research articles, the study highlights how the growing concern about the environment is affecting the mental health of children and young adults.

Eco-anxiety—the fear and distress caused by the environmental crisis—has been on the rise, particularly among younger generations. According to the researchers, this anxiety is often linked to a sense of helplessness and the inability to imagine a sustainable future. At the same time, many young people today spend less time outdoors than previous generations, leading to a sense of disconnection from nature, which only deepens their anxiety.

While nature connection can reduce eco-anxiety in some cases, the study found that those who feel strongly connected to nature often experience more intense emotions when confronted with environmental destruction. This creates a challenge for educators who must balance fostering a connection to nature with supporting students' mental health.

The research suggests that transformative education—which helps students see themselves as part of nature, deeply connected to the environment—can empower them to take action. Exposure to alternative worldviews, such as Japanese animism, which sees nature as sacred and interconnected, can also help students rethink their relationship with the environment.

In short, educators are encouraged to take a holistic approach that addresses both the emotional impact of eco-anxiety and the need for deeper connection to the natural world. This, the researchers argue, is essential for supporting young people as they navigate the challenges of the climate crisis.