Resilience of adolescents and young adults towards climate-related stressors - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Climate change represents an increasing source of stress for adolescents and young adults, contributing to higher risks of anxiety and impaired mental health.

METHODS

This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on resilience to climate-related stressors among individuals aged 10-25 years. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and from the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) (PROSPERO: CRD42025644668) identified 6,975 individual references.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies, conducted across high-income countries (e.g. USA, Germany, Australia), Asian LMICs (Thailand, Nepal), and sub-Saharan African countries with high climate and health vulnerability (e.g., South Africa, Uganda), comprised 9,439 participants with approximately equal gender distribution. Methodological designs included qualitative (n = 2), quantitative (n = 4), and mixed-method (n = 4). Quantitative studies applied standardized resilience scales (e.g., BRS, CYRM-R) or related constructs such as coping, self-efficacy, and disaster preparedness. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, 70% of studies were rated as high quality. Five interconnected protective domains were identified: connection to culture, community, and nature; supportive social networks; youth agency and engagement; education and preparedness; and psychological skills. Gender and prior disaster experience appeared as vulnerability factors. None of the included studies provided a clear definition of resilience, highlighting a conceptual gap in the current literature. Overall, resilience among young people appears as a dynamic, socially embedded process shaped by psychosocial and ecological systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational and participatory interventions integrating climate literacy, emotional regulation, and collective action show promise for strengthening climate resilience and mental well-being among youth. Future research should develop climate-specific resilience measures and evaluate intervention outcomes across diverse socioecological settings.