Editorial: The climate and ecological mental health emergency – evidence and action

Abstract

No previous generation of children has grown up in the context of an existential threat comparable to the climate crisis. This Special Issue examines the implications of the climate crisis for children and young people in relation to their mental health and well-being, and, as a corollary, the implications for mental health professionals. Evidence is accumulating on the prevalence of worry among children world-wide, as well as on the direct impacts of the climate crisis on mental health. Despite the huge threat that this crisis poses for the next generation’s mental health and well-being, and the recognition that this is now a global mental health emergency, there has been surprisingly little research on the topic. We therefore saw the urgent need to draw together a wide range of original research and perspectives and to consider what this mean for professionals who have dedicated themselves to improving the well-being of children and young people.