by Alice Gibbs
A survey has revealed that younger generations are feeling the mental-health impacts of extreme weather events.
The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Project Healthy Minds between October 1-3, 2024, interviewed over 2,000 U.S. adults.
According to the poll, 58 percent of Gen Z and 56 percent of millennials report that events such as wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather have negatively impacted their mental health over the past year. This compared to 47 percent of baby boomers who said the same.
Furthermore, 20 percent of Gen Z and 15 percent of millennials said these events had a significant negative impact on their mental health, compared to just 9 percent of boomers.
This new data comes as millions are still without power after Hurricane Milton hit Florida last week, just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeastern U.S., leading to over 230 fatalities according to The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, mounting evidence suggests that climate change will continue to drive an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Environmental scientists have long warned that climate change is causing more severe droughts, wildfires, and storms, which have devastating effects on both the environment and public health.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the frequency of extreme one-day precipitation events in the U.S. has risen sharply since the 1980s, with nine of the top 10 years for extreme precipitation recorded since 1995.
While historical records suggest that the number of hurricanes per year has not increased, storm intensity has risen significantly, driven in part by higher sea surface temperatures linked to climate change. The impact of Helene and Milton is a stark reminder of this trend.
The accumulation of various stressors over time may make young people more susceptible to mental-health issues when confronted with extreme weather events.
Kristin Wilson, Chief Experience Officer, Newport Healthcare
Kristin Wilson, licensed professional counselor, certified clinical trauma professional and chief experience officer at Newport Healthcare told Newsweek that weather events are having an increasingly significant impact on young people.
“Weather events and natural disasters may be having a more significant impact on younger people’s mental health today compared to previous generations for several reasons,” Wilson said.
“Many of today’s young people are more educated and aware of the links between extreme weather events and climate change. They understand the long-term consequences of these disasters, leading to ‘eco-anxiety’ or the fear that climate change will worsen and make the future uncertain or unlivable.”
In 2023, the Fifth National Climate Assessment said that all regions of the United States are currently experiencing harmful impacts of climate change, particularly through increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The generational concern for the future of the planet is clear as more and more young people take action and speak out.
When it comes to concerns about extreme weather events, Wilson said that the younger generation also has lived experience of global uncertainty.
“It is important to recognize that today’s youth have grown up during a time of great uncertainty, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wilson said.
“The accumulation of various stressors over time may make young people more susceptible to mental-health issues when confronted with extreme weather events. Each disaster may feel like another overwhelming event in a long line of global problems they have experienced or witnessed.”
Originally published on newsweek.com.