Repairing the Social Contract: Undertaking the Co-Design of Climate Distress Services for Young People in British Columbia

Kiffer Card

Arden Henly

Impact

  • The project provided critical evidence on how climate change is impacting the mental health of young Canadians. These insights are informing the development of targeted mental health interventions, advancing the integration of climate awareness into mental health care and support systems.

  • Findings from the research directly contributed to a $1.8 million investment from the Government of British Columbia. This funding will support the creation and implementation of new programs and services that address the mental health impacts of climate change on youth.

  • Informed by the study’s findings, practical resources and toolkits are being developed for use in schools, mental health organizations, and communities. These tools ensure broad dissemination and enable frontline stakeholders to adopt best practices in supporting youth experiencing climate-related distress.

  • The project fostered meaningful youth engagement, including hiring a participant as a GTEC youth intern who continued the work through published interviews and editorial contributions. This exemplifies the project’s lasting impact in building youth leadership and strengthening community-academic collaboration.

  • The research is shaping the development of school curricula and community programs that address the intersection of climate change and mental health. This paves the way for systemic change, equipping young people with both knowledge and support to build resilience in the face of climate challenges.

“This research contributed to an evolving body of work clarifying the social-emotional impacts of the climate crisis on youth including a heightened felling of alienation from government and other social institutions”

— Kiffer Card and Arden Henly

  • British Columbia

  • Grant

  • Simon Fraser University

  • The Green Technology Education Centre

  • Michael Smith Health Research BC

  • 2022-2023

  • Climate Change and Mental Health

  • Youth (aged 13-18), Young adults (aged 19-30)

About the Project

This project explored the emotional and psychological responses of young individuals (ages 16–24) to climate change, with a focus on understanding the nature of their climate-related distress. Specifically, the research examined how the climate crisis affects youth, including feelings of alienation from government and social institutions. Participants were actively engaged in co-designing potential solutions, emphasizing collaboration and empowerment. The study aimed not only to generate insights into youth climate distress but also to contribute to the development of supportive programs and services through strong community-academic partnerships.

Methodology

The project used a qualitative approach by holding two rounds of online group discussion with 11 young adults aged 16–24. Participants came from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds, were engaged in post-secondary education, and lived in urban areas. Each focus group met twice—first to explore how participants were feeling and reacting to climate change, and second to gather their ideas for educational tools and support services that The Green Technology Education Centre (GTEC) could offer. The sessions lasted 60 to 90 minutes and were held over Zoom in a safe and respectful environment where participants could speak openly. Researchers then carefully analyzed the conversations using a structured method to identify common themes. This helped reveal the emotional impact of climate change on youth, feelings of being let down by society, and practical ideas for support.

Findings

Key Findings:

  • Heightened Anxiety and Distress: Participants universally reported increased anxiety and emotional strain due to climate change, aligning with global youth trends and reinforcing the urgent need for mental health support.

  • Uncertain Future: Many expressed fear and pessimism about the future, highlighting the importance of fostering hope and resilience through mental health services.

  • Feelings of Betrayal: A common theme was a sense of betrayal by governments and institutions, pointing to the need for transparent climate action to rebuild trust.

  • Call for Education and Community Programs: 38% of themes emphasized the need for better climate education, while 21% highlighted the value of community-based programs to empower and support young people.

  • Emotional Strain and Mental Health Needs: 82% of themes related to emotional reactions—such as hopelessness and frustration—with 28% specifically calling for improved mental health services to help youth cope with climate-related distress.

Project Outreach

While this project has not yet scaled beyond British Columbia, there are plans to expand its reach nationally and internationally with the support of future funding and stakeholders. In the upcoming years, scaling efforts will include building a web-based platform, strengthening project governance, developing interventions (including Indigenous-led initiatives), and launching community grant programs to broaden impact and engagement.

Resources Created