Climate change is more than an environmental crisis—it’s a mental health crisis. While the world focuses on rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation, the emotional and psychological toll remains largely unspoken. But at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi my team and I at Eco Diversified International decided to change that.
On January 18, 2025, we hosted a virtual Climate and Mental Health Clinic—a hybrid training session designed to help students understand how climate change affects mental well-being and equip them with coping mechanisms. The response? Eye-opening.
The Overlooked Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health
For many students, climate change feels like an unstoppable force. The unpredictability of seasons, worsening droughts, and the threat to food security all contribute to eco-anxiety—a persistent fear about the future of our planet. Some students spoke about the helplessness they felt when witnessing environmental degradation in their communities. Others admitted they hadn’t considered how climate change was affecting their mental health—until now.
Creating a Safe Space for Climate Conversations (Virtually)
We structured the virtual training into key segments:
- Understanding Climate Change & Mental Health
I led the session on the socio-environmental consequences of climate change, breaking down how extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and environmental instability contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression - Open Discussion & Personal Reflections
Facilitators Faith and Kelly guided a raw, unfiltered discussion. Students opened up about their fears—about losing farmlands, witnessing communities struggle, and feeling unheard in climate conversations. Some admitted they had felt indifferent about climate change before, unsure of how it directly affected them. By the end of the discussion, they saw the mental burden it carried. - Coping Strategies & Stress Management
Through mindfulness exercises and stress management techniques, we helped students navigate eco-anxiety. Taking deep breaths, acknowledging emotions, and focusing on what they can control became key takeaways. - Climate & Mental Health Survey
To measure impact, Esther conducted pre- and post-training surveys. The results painted a clear picture:
Before the session:
- 30.77% felt anxious about climate change.
- 30.77% felt helpless.
- 23.08% were indifferent.
- Only 15.38% felt hopeful.
After the session:
- 61.54% felt motivated to take climate action.
- 23.08% still felt anxious but more informed.
- 7.69%felt more hopeful.
- 7.69% felt less helpless and more empowered.
These numbers represent real people—young minds who now understand the mental weight of climate change and, more importantly, how to navigate it.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next?
One thing was clear: this conversation must continue. The students weren’t just interested—they were eager to become part of the solution.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps:
More Virtual Training Sessions: Students want continued engagement on climate resilience and mental health.
University Collaborations: Partnering with institutions to integrate climate mental health into wellness programs.
Building a Movement: In just a few weeks, we mobilized 99 new members ready to advocate for climate resilience and mental well-being.
Peer Educators: Training students to spread awareness within their communities.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Collective Healing
This session proved that climate action isn’t just about policy changes and activism—it’s about mental resilience too. If young people feel overwhelmed and helpless, they won’t take action. But when we create spaces for conversation, support, and solutions, we empower them to transform anxiety into action.
At Eco Diversified International, we are committed to ensuring that climate conversations include mental well-being. This is just the beginning. The journey continues—to more universities, more young minds, and a future where climate resilience and mental health support go hand in hand.
Want to join the movement? Email us at ecodiversifiednetwork@gmail.com
See event photos & videos: Click to View
See the participant list: Click to view
The climate crisis is real , but so is our ability to respond—not just with action, but with resilience, community, and hope.
Written by Ayooluwa Ogunsola
