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Eco-anxiety among the youth has been reported globally, and is also experienced by school and college-going population in India, according to a new survey. Some 94 per cent of the respondents said that they are directly impacted by the disruptions caused by climate change.
They said their daily lives, education and mental health have been disrupted by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. For many, these challenges are not distant possibilities but immediate realities.
“The region where I live used to be cool, but not anymore. My parents tell me that until some years ago, even a fan was not needed, but now summers get unbearable without a cooler,” said Kiran, a 16-year-old from Haryana. Her words highlight how the climate crisis has altered the rhythm of life, particularly for the younger generation.
Some 1,931 people of ages 14-25 years were asked how they perceive climate change and education and action on it. The survey was conducted by Tushita Rawat, programme manager of the environment education unit of the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment.
The survey done under the organisation’s Green Schools Programme showed that 88 per cent of respondents have noticed environmental changes in their regions over the last 5-7 years, with shifting weather patterns, intense rainfall and heatwaves being the most visible effects.
For many Indian youth, the consequences of climate change extend beyond environmental observations. “My daily productivity has decreased as climate change causes health issues,” shared Dishika Taposh Mukherji, a 16-year-old from Gujarat. Her experience is echoed by others who reported school closures (45 per cent) and restricted outdoor activities (32 per cent) due to extreme weather events. These interruptions affect not only education but also physical and mental health.
Around half of the survey’s participants reported increased stress or anxiety related to the worsening climate. “It feels like there’s no escape,” noted one respondent, reflecting the eco-anxiety gripping many young people. Another 22 per cent said these challenges motivate them to take action, highlighting a desire to combat the crisis despite feelings of vulnerability.
The survey also indicated that the youth felt there were shortcomings in climate education. While 85 per cent of respondents reported studying climate change in school, only 35 per cent felt their textbooks provided adequate content. Another 43 per cent believed the information was insufficient and needed improvement. Many students emphasised the need for more comprehensive and practical climate education to equip them for future challenges.
“In an era where young people are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to adapt is essential. Climate education must move beyond textbooks ,addressing region-specific challenges with dynamic and tailored teaching strategies,” said Rawat, who designed the study.
Despite the challenges, India’s youth remain optimistic and action-oriented. More than half of the survey’s respondents believe individual actions, such as using renewable energy and composting waste, can make a significant impact. The Government of India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative seeks to harness this enthusiasm by promoting sustainable practices among individuals and communities.
Encouragingly, a growing number of young Indians are eyeing green careers. The survey found that 50 per cent of respondents are very likely to pursue jobs that contribute to environmental sustainability. This aligns with a broader global trend, as the demand for green skills continues to outpace the supply.