Children and young people are among the priority population groups that are disproportionately affected by mental health impacts of climate change. As the direct and indirect impacts of climate change intensify, it can be anticipated that that the negative consequences for mental health will only increase.

However, there are only a limited number of studies exploring the impact of climate change on children’s and young people’s mental health. The lack of a strong evidence base poses a major barrier to establishing a mental health system and programs which are fit for purpose.

Overcoming these challenges will require a holistic policy approach which also empowers and supports children and young people to cope and adapt to the realities of climate change and provides them with a stake in decision-making about future climate-related policies and actions.