Nature-Based and Community-Level Responses to Climate Distress in Young People: A Systematic Review

Climate change is both an environmental crisis and a growing source of psychological distress for young people, calling for responses that nurture emotional resilience and collective engagement. The emerging response to climate distress has mainly focused on formal psychological and individual-level interventions. However, there is growing recognition that climate distress is shaped by collective, social, and structural conditions, and therefore may also require programs that extend beyond the individual.

The aim of this systematic review was to examine how nature-based and community-level programs support young people experiencing climate distress. A systematic search and synthesis of creative, educational, action-based, and nature-focused interventions yielded 11 records, each reporting on distinct interventions. Across studies, participant ages fell within the eligible range of 12-25 years. Programs were conducted in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and globally. Gender was variably reported across studies.

Findings revealed that programs had the most perceived effectiveness when they enabled emotional expression, community connection, and direct engagement with nature. These experiences were reported to transform feelings of isolation and helplessness into belonging, meaning, and agency.

A narrative synthesis of the findings revealed five potential recommendations for future nature-based and community-level programs: (i) integrate creative expression, (ii) strengthen community connection, (iii) ground programs in nature, (iv) embed cultural relevance, and (v) build pathways to collective action. Applying these recommendations may enhance the sustainability and impact of future programs and help reduce climate distress among young people through strengthened resilience and shared purpose.