Document explores the role of the youth sector in addressing climate emotions of young peopleIt points out that young people are deeply concerned about the future of the planet and experience a range of emotions, such as anxiety, sadness and hope.

Key points of the document:

• Young people and climate emotions: The document highlights that young people are particularly vulnerable to negative emotions associated with climate change, such as eco-anxiety, which is a chronic fear of environmental destruction. These emotions have a significant impact on their mental health and daily lives.
• The role of the youth sector: The youth sector, including youth workers and youth organizations, plays a key role in supporting young people to manage climate emotions. It can create safe spaces for expressing feelings, engaging in climate action, and developing resilience.
• Challenges for the youth sector: The youth sector faces challenges such as a lack of training and resources for youth workers, as well as a feeling that young people’s voices are not being heard enough in climate policy discussions. This can exacerbate feelings of powerlessness and frustration.
• Recommendations: The document recommends extensive training programs for youth workers, the creation of safe spaces in youth organizations, and the inclusion of climate change education in school curricula. Collaboration between mental health professionals, educators, policymakers and youth organizations is key.
• The importance of youth policies: Youth policies should explicitly address climate emotions, support youth-led initiatives, and provide healthcare focused on eco-anxiety.
• The term solastalgia: The document also introduces the concept solastalgia, which describes people's fear of negative changes in their home environment due to climate change.
• Emphasis on positive emotions: In addition to negative emotions, the document also highlights positive emotions, such as hope and empowerment that arise from collective action.
• The need for collective action: The document emphasizes that in addition to individual resilience, collective action and community support are also important in managing climate emotions.

The document points to the need holistic approach to address the emotional challenges young people face as a result of climate change, and stresses the key role of the youth sector in providing support and building resilience. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Eco-anxiety: Chronic fear of environmental destruction, manifested by anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness regarding climate change.
• Climatic emotions: A wide range of emotions (both positive and negative) that people experience in relation to climate change and its impacts.
• Solastalgia: Sadness and suffering caused by changes in the home environment due to environmental changes.
• Youth sector: It includes youth workers, youth organizations and other institutions that work with young people and support their development.
• Planetary health: A concept that emphasizes the connection between human health and the health of the planet, while it is necessary to seek comprehensive solutions to protect both.
• Resistance: The ability to cope with and adapt to stress and adverse situations, distinguishing between individual and community.
• Self-efficacy: Belief in one's own ability to achieve goals and take the necessary steps.
• Community resilience: It focuses on strengthening collective resources and support systems in communities to face climate and other challenges together.
• Climate justice: It emphasizes equality and fair distribution of the impacts of climate change and equitable access to solutions for all, especially vulnerable groups.
• Youth policy: A set of strategies, measures and programs that governments and organizations implement to promote the development and well-being of young people in various areas of life, including the environment.