The data that has emerged from a recent study by UNICEF Italia in collaboration with YouTrend clearly speak: especially among young people, Ecoanies, fear of the environmental crisis and fear of the future of the planet grows among young people
More and more young and adults hit by Ecoania
In a world that is increasingly characterized by the effects of climate change, a new form of psychological discomfort is growing between young people and adults: Ecoaniesia.
It is the feeling of fear, stress and helplessness that comes from the consciousness of the environmental crisis And out of the fear of the future of the planet. A growing phenomenon, as evidenced by the data that resulted from a recent study carried out by Unicef Italy In collaboration with YouTtrend.
What do the results of the survey say?
The research investigated the relationship between climatic crisis and mental health in the Italian population, which reveals an image in which concern about the environment not only translates into virtuous behavior, but also into emotionally uneasing.
According to the survey, 24% of Italians have heard of Ecoaniesia and 22% acknowledges the votes in their experience that is compatible with this phenomenon. 7% of the respondents report weekly physical symptoms – such as headache, muscle tension or nausea – coupled with an environmental anxiety state, while 9% experience recurring and uncontrolled thoughts related to the theme.
A particularly important fact concerns the younger generations: among adults younger than 45, 32% say that fear of the future of the environment discourages the idea of having children. A strong signal, which shows how much the climatic crisis re -defines expectations and life choices.
Although the environmental crisis is not seen as the most urgent problem (overcome by wars, hunger in the world and inflation), it is still in fourth place on the scale of worries, with 23% of the Italians who consider it a priority. Mopper, 69% of the interviewees say they fear that the fate of humanity is now characterized by climate change, and 60% admit that they are always able to control Ecoaniesia.
What are the consequences in our behavior?
This consciousness means that many try to participate. 68% of Italians regularly make a separate collection, 49% reduce water consumption, 40% note the use of energy. And again: 28% reduced meat consumption, 20% avoid cars and aircraft for travel and holidays, 19% buys or sells second hand clothing and 18% chooses brands that are respectful for human rights. However, if they cannot assume sustainable behavior, 61% investigate discomfort or nervousness.
Il climate change It is a very present theme in the media: 78% of the interviewees meet him at least three times a week in newspapers, TV and social networks. Yet the youngest – despite the fact that they are the most involved – are less exposed to environment news, probably because of a lower tendency to inform through traditional channels.
The mental health of children in the center
In the light of this data, UNICEF emphasizes the importance of placing the mental health of children, young people and vulnerable communities, centrally in climate policy. One of the most important recommendations: listen to the voice of young people, involve them in making decisions, create psychological support networks for parents and teachers, strengthen territorial services and build integrated educational programs that combine environmental and psychological good action.