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From Eco-Anxiety to Action: My Journey as a Youth Climate Researcher
- Tooba M.
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 27
I joined the HEYA research group in 2022 as a Youth Co-Researcher. As a sixteen year old beginning twelfth grade, I had to start thinking about my future, my education, and what I truly wanted to pursue in life. At the time, my home country, Pakistan, was undergoing extreme flooding due to irregularly heavy monsoons. This event opened my eyes to the harsh impacts of climate change that occur right in front of us. Pakistan had experienced 243% more rainfall than usual, causing a third of the country to be submerged in water. Studies show that Pakistan is one of the top countries impacted by climate change. Over twenty million people were in need of humanitarian assistance, half of them being children [1]. I was doing what I could by raising awareness at my high school and helping organize a flood relief fundraiser. I wasn’t aware of the term “eco-anxiety” at the time– but I felt helpless seeing the toll of global warming was taking on people back home. From the lack of safe drinking water, to the 3.5 million children whose education was disrupted by the damage from the flooding– I didn’t know what else I could do, but I knew I had to do something with the resources I am privileged enough to have. That is ultimately what sparked my interest in joining the research group: to learn more about the mental health impacts that climate change has on impacted communities and youth like myself, and to help spread awareness.
With the guidance of the other team members I was able to learn about the research process, how to facilitate focus groups, analyze data, communicate findings through infographics, and provide constructive feedback. It was also a great experience to be able to connect with the other youth co-researchers across Canada who share my passion for this topic. I got to engage in conversations that gave me a new perspective and discuss the deeper implications that climate change has on youth. Being part of this research group inspired me to educate myself further on the climate and the environment. Since joining HEYA, I became more invested in learning about different areas of climate research. By combining my passion for writing and journalism with climate science, I had the opportunity to interview various researchers on climate-related topics. From the role of microbes in the climate, to mental health and eco-anxiety in Canadians, to the future of sustainable food sources, I have been able to learn so much and educate others through my writing. I also had the privilege of participating in hands-on research on clean energy systems, with a focus on green hydrogen. These experiences have inspired me to major in Civil and Environmental Engineering for my Bachelor's Degree. I hope to be able to contribute to rebuilding communities and provide sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions through engineering applications.
I urge not only youth people but also older generations to educate themselves on how global warming is impacting us right now–mentally, physically, and environmentally–as well as its implications for the future. Right now is the best time to act and start making eco-conscious changes in our daily lives so that our future on this planet may have a better outlook. Whether it be purchasing items second-hand, planting trees, collecting garbage, or simply educating yourself and those around you on the climate crisis. It can be difficult to make these changes, but starting small to implement sustainable habits for the long-term can have a great impact. For anyone dealing with eco-anxiety or grief, a coping strategy that may help is turning towards peer support groups, such as through “climate cafes” [2]. There are many ways to engage with peers—whether through informal conversations, organized meetups, shared projects, and others. Through awareness, education, and collective action, we can work towards a future where both people and the planet thrive.
[1] UNICEF. (n.d.). Devastating floods in Pakistan: UNICEF’s response. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/devastating-floods-pakistan-2022
[2] Cooper, Madison E, et al. ““Feeling Your Emotions Is an Act of Rebellion:” How Climate Cafés across Canada Support Youth Wellbeing during the Climate Crisis.” Social Science & Medicine, 1 Mar. 2025, pp. 118002–118002, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118002.
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