Therefore, as research is conducted on adolescent mental health related to climate change stress, community involvement and civic efficacy should be explored.

Young age groups seem to be disproportionately impacted by climate change stress; for example, a report from the American Psychiatric Association in 2020 found that 67% of 18–23 year olds felt somewhat or extremely anxious about the impact of climate change on their mental health, compared with 63% of 24–39 year olds, 58% of 40–55 year olds, and 42% of 56–74 year olds [14]. In a study that surveyed 10,000 16–24 year olds in 10 countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and America), 59% of respondents were very or extremely worried about climate change and 84% were at least moderately worried; more than 45% said climate change stress negatively impacted their daily lives [15].

Encouragingly, a growing number of young Indians are eyeing green careers. The survey found that 50 per cent of respondents are very likely to pursue jobs that contribute to environmental sustainability. This aligns with a broader global trend, as the demand for green skills continues to outpace the supply.

"In an era where young people are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to adapt is essential. Climate education must move beyond textbooks,addressing region-specific challenges with dynamic and tailored teaching strategies," said Rawat, who designed the study.

"My daily productivity has decreased as climate change causes health issues,"

"The region where I live used to be cool, but not anymore. My parents tell me that until some years ago, even a fan was not needed, but now summers get unbearable without a cooler," said Kiran, a 16-year-old from Haryana. Her words highlight how the climate crisis has altered the rhythm of life, particularly for the younger generation.