Exploring the Climate Anxiety and Pro-Environmental Social Behavior among Youth in District Layyah, Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most critical problems of our time that not only impacts environmental systems, but also human psychological health and social conduct. One of its psychological impacts is the climate anxiety, which is becoming more prominent because of its effects on the emotions, perceptions and behavior of youth in relation to environmental issues. This study aimed to explore the effects of climate anxiety and its association with pro-ecological social actions among youth in District Layyah of Pakistan. A quantitative cross sectional research design was used; data was obtained from 151 respondents aged 14-24 with a structured five point Likert scale questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics methods using SPSS. The results indicated that a significant number of the youth were environmentally anxious, worried about climate disasters and future living conditions. Moreover, the study showed that climate anxiety positively influenced pro-environmental social behaviors, suggesting that moderate levels of climate anxiety foster environmentally responsible social behaviors like resource conservation, waste reduction, environmental participation, and sustainable lifestyle. But, if unaccompanied by proper educational and community engagement programs, the high level of climate anxiety can have a negative impact on mental health. The study concludes that climate anxiety may be a mental hurdle or a driving force toward climate participation. Thus, enhancing youth engagement and climate awareness initiatives are critical to support sustainable development and youth's resilience to climate induced psychosocial stresses.