Speakers
Description
Authors: Brenda Miller (Prevention Research Center), Elena Gervilla Garcia (University of the Balearic Islands), Livia Edegger (ISSUP), Samuel Tomczyk (University of Greifswald)
Background: Young people worldwide are increasingly exposed to both acute (e.g., floods, wildfires, hurricanes) and chronic (e.g., excessive heat, pollution, drought) severe weather events. Recent data from a US national sample (ages 16–25) show that 74% experienced extreme heat and 64% smoke or air pollution in the past year, while substantial proportions faced acute events such as flooding (40%), hurricanes (26.5%), tornadoes (25.9%), and wildfires (23.1%). These exposures can lead to eco-anxiety-marked by worry, sadness, and hopelessness about the future-as well as social and behavioral challenges, including increased conduct problems and peer difficulties, as seen in longitudinal studies from Australia. Youth coping responses range from negative (e.g., aggression, substance use) to positive actions (e.g., civic engagement, pro-environmental behavior).
Campfire Structure: This campfire session will open with two short presentations introducing key findings on the mental health and social impacts of severe weather on youth, and the role of community infrastructure (parks, schools, libraries, churches) in supporting positive coping and resilience. Drawing on the Positive Youth Development model and a prevention science lens, presenters will highlight practical strategies for enhancing community-level preparedness and fostering adaptive responses among young people.
Interactive Discussion: The second half of the session will be dedicated to an open, facilitated discussion with participants. Attendees will be invited to share experiences, insights, and challenges from their own contexts, as well as to co-develop ideas for prevention and intervention at both the individual and community levels. The goal is to generate a dynamic exchange on how prevention science can inform effective, resource-based responses to climate-related stressors among youth.
Session Details: This session is sponsored by the SPR International Committee and the International Coalition of Climate Action in Prevention Science.
| Conflict of interest | Authors declare no conflict of interest. |
|---|
