AccScience Publishing / GHES / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/GHES025110020
PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE

The role of education in empowering young people to cope with climate change-induced mental health challenges in developing countries

Usoro Udousoro Akpan1* Ibrahim Khalil Ja’afar1 Sinclair Eke2
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1 Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
2 Department of Public Health, School of Health, Social and Community Work, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
Received: 10 March 2025 | Revised: 15 April 2025 | Accepted: 28 April 2025 | Published online: 13 May 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

Climate change exacerbates mental health issues among young individuals, making education a crucial tool for providing knowledge, resilience, and coping strategies. By integrating discussions on emotions, mental health, and coping mechanisms into climate change education, educational initiatives can foster resilience and support young people in navigating these challenges. Educational programs that focus on environmental literacy, sustainability, and innovative teaching methods are essential for equipping youth with the necessary skills to address the complex interplay between climate change and mental well-being. However, implementing such programs in developing countries faces challenges such as resource limitations and cultural barriers. Successful models have overcome these challenges through partnerships, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Ultimately, education can act as a catalyst for positive change by fostering resilience, promoting environmental literacy, and empowering young individuals to contribute to sustainable development. By investing in inclusive educational endeavors, developing nations can equip youth with the skills needed to confront climate change-induced mental health challenges effectively.

Keywords
Climate change
Young people
Mental health
Education
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no competing interests.
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Global Health Economics and Sustainability, Electronic ISSN: 2972-4570 Print ISSN: 3060-8546, Published by AccScience Publishing