Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 27, 2024
A study commissioned by ‘I am Hope, ‘ a youth mental health advocacy group has found alarming levels of climate anxiety among young New Zealanders.
The Survey, conducted by Truwind-Research First and Dynata involved 600 participants aged 18 to 25 and found that nearly 60% believe that Climate Change is the most pressing global issue, with 42% viewing it as the major problem facing New Zealand.
According to the Study, about a quarter of respondents were experiencing mental health impacts due to climate-related concerns, with many reporting feelings of stress, worry, and helplessness about the future. About 35% of young people said that they felt anxious or scared when thinking about the long-term effects of Climate Change, and over a third said that they were dealing with regular stress as a result.
Marcus Lee, a 21-year-old from Hamilton, shared his concerns.
“It feels overwhelming sometimes, knowing that climate change could drastically change the world in our lifetime, and I do not feel like enough is being done. I want to help, but it feels like such a big problem,” he said.
Many participants also expressed frustration over the perceived lack of action by government and industry leaders, fuelling their anxiety. More than half of those surveyed said that they felt a personal sense of moral duty to act on climate change, despite feeling powerless in the face of such a large-scale crisis.
‘I am Hope’ Programme
In response to these findings, ‘I Am Hope’ is launching the ‘I Am Climate Hope Tour,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of climate anxiety while offering support to New Zealand’s youth.
The tour, led by mental health advocate Mike King, will cover 5000 kilometres across the country on an electric UBCO motorbike, starting in Auckland on October 1, 2024 and concluding on October 29, 2024.
Mr King, who has been an outspoken advocate for youth mental health, said that the tour is an opportunity to listen to young New Zealanders and address their fears.
“This research paints a clear picture of the mental health crisis brewing among our young people, driven by climate anxiety. We want to let them know that we are here to support them, and together, we can work towards a sustainable future,” he said.
The tour will stop in towns and cities from Cape Reinga to Bluff, providing spaces where people can share their concerns, receive support, and learn about practical steps they can take to combat climate change.
Whangarei student Tai Whittaker, 19, is eager to see the tour come to his city.
“It is good to see that someone is doing something about climate anxiety. So many of us feel helpless, but I think this tour could help us find ways to channel our energy into positive action,” he said.
The Key Partners
The ‘I Am Climate Hope’ tour has attracted support from key partners, including Genesis Energy, UBCO, and Ara Ake.
Genesis Chief Executive Malcolm Johns highlighted the company’s dual commitment to climate action and mental health.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and this tour will touch thousands of New Zealanders, giving them tools to manage the anxiety felt by many young people,” he said.
UBCO, a company specialising in electric vehicles, is providing motorbikes for the tour, and New Zealand’s future energy centre, Ara Ake, will be showcasing sustainable energy solutions at stops along the journey.
Ara Ake Chief Executive Cristiano Marantes said that the tour aims to inspire young Kiwis to take action.
“We hope that by sharing Kiwi innovations, we can encourage young people to see that change is possible, and help foster hope for a sustainable future,” Mr Marantes said.
To learn more about the ‘I Am Climate Hope Tour,’ follow the journey or see the destination list, visit www.rideforhope.co.nz.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
