The Impact of Climate Change News on Mental Health of Youth: The Rise of Eco-Anxiety in Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is no longer a scientific issue; it's quickly becoming a mental health crisis, especially for Pakistan's younger generation. While news headlines scream about melting glaciers, deadly floods, and increasing temperatures, young minds are quietly soaking up a never ending flow of fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness. This study explores the psychological effect of such news, uncovering the phenomenon of eco-anxiety, a growing emotional condition of fear of ecological apocalypse and helplessness over the future. Backed by two broad objectives, the study examines the effect of climate change news on the mental health of Pakistani youth and how they attempt to cope. It also raises two research questions to examine the association between media exposure to climate related issues and emotional distress. Adopting a quantitative research approach with a survey design, the research is gathered data from a purposive sample of 300 young people from Pakistan. A structured questionnaire is used to assess their levels of news exposure, anxiety symptoms, and coping. The data are analyzed employing pie charts to illustrate emotional trends and psychological impacts. The research is revolving around two hypotheses, one concerning the frequency of climate news exposure and its connection with anxiety, and the other concerning the media framing effect on youth mental health. A vast majority of respondents record moderate to severe degrees of eco-anxiety, and are instigated by persistent exposure to scary and alarming climate news. Fear, anxiety, and hopelessness characterize the mood. The report concludes that while media coverage is required for the purpose of informing, it’s biased, apocalyptic presentation may be damaging to more than it serves. It recommends that news outlets move toward solution oriented reporting, and climate education and mental health services become integral to the plans for reaching young people. Only by reversing the narrative from fear to empowerment can we allow the next generation to manage and act on hope.