All hurricanes are destroying the mental health of Gen Z

Some research has shown that young people feel the effects of mental health due to extreme weather conditions.

Research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Project Healthy Minds between October 1-3, 2024, interviewed more than 2,000 US adults.

According to the survey, 58 percent of Gen Z and 56 percent of millennials report that events such as wildfires, hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions have negatively affected their mental health in the past year. This compares to 47 percent of baby boomers who said the same.

Additionally, 20 percent of Gen Z and 15 percent of millennials said these events had a negative impact on their mental health, compared to just 9 percent of boomers.

The new data comes as millions of people remain without power after Hurricane Milton hit Florida last week, just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across South America. east, which caused more than 230 injuries according to The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, mounting evidence suggests that climate change will continue to drive an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Environmental scientists have long warned that climate change is causing more severe droughts, wildfires and storms, with devastating effects on the environment and human health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the frequency of one-day rainfall in the US has increased significantly since the 1980s, with nine of the top 10 years for the heaviest rainfall recorded since 1995.

Although historical records show that the number of hurricanes per year has not increased, storm intensity has increased significantly, driven in part by higher sea surface temperatures associated with climate change. of heaven. The influence of Helene and Milton is a clear reminder of this approach.

Kristin Wilson, licensed professional counselor, certified trauma therapist and chief experience officer at Newport Healthcare said. Newsweek that the weather has a big impact on young people.

“Weather events and natural disasters may have a greater impact on the mental health of young people today compared to previous generations for several reasons,” Wilson said.

“Many young people today are highly educated and aware of the connection between extreme weather and climate change. They understand the long-term effects of these disasters, leading to ‘eco-anxiety’ or the fear that climate change will worsen and create an uncertain or unlivable future.”

By 2023, the Fifth Climate Assessment stated that all regions of the United States are currently experiencing the negative effects of climate change, particularly with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Humanity’s concern for the future of the planet is clear as more and more young people take action and speak out.

When it comes to worrying about extreme weather conditions, Wilson said the younger generation has also experienced global uncertainty.

“It’s important to recognize that today’s youth have grown up in a time of great uncertainty, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wilson said.

“The accumulation of various stressors over time may make young people more vulnerable to mental health problems when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Disaster​​​​​​ each may feel like another traumatic event in a long line of world problems they have experienced or witnessed.”