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Research and publications

Climate Change and Student Mental Health

Climate Change and Student Mental Health 

Climate Change and Student Mental Health, published by Student Minds and funded by the UPP Foundation, is one of the first reports exploring the impact of climate change on mental health in UK higher education. This report invites you to get curious about the relationship between two of the greatest challenges facing our student population.

Key themes explored within this report include agency and leadership, uncertainty, sustainability in the curriculum, the impact on specific student groups, the role of universities and government, and more. We hope this work is a stepping stone for any researcher, activist, policy-maker, university leader or student looking to understand this connection and address these pressing issues.

Selected Findings:

1) 71% of our student respondents are quite or very concerned about climate change; 68% believe we are already feelings its effects 2) 90% of students said climate change impacted their mental health and wellbeing in the preceding four weeks. 3) 37% of our respondents often or always felt that frustration or anger that not enough is being done to tackle climate change 4) 29% often or always feel grief over biodiversity loss 5) 30% often or always feel a negative impact on their emotions due to news or information about climate change 6) Students widely expressed a desire to make a positive contribution to tackling climate change but often felt like they didn’t know where to start.  7) Students expressed significant concerns about the impacts of climate change, climate change inaction, and interventions to address climate change, on specific student groups, including international students, disabled students, commuter students, and students from a lower socio-economic background. 8) Universities have a powerful role to play educating and engaging students in these areas, and preparing them for sustainable career paths
Click on the image above to access a larger version of the findings and be able to zoom in.

​Download the report

​Read the press release

HEPI webinar recording with Student Minds and the UPP Foundation, 18 October 2023

This is a recording from the online event by HEPI, in conjunction with Student Minds and the UPP Foundation, on the findings of a new report, Climate Change and Student Mental Health, on the links between student wellbeing and climate change. You can also find the recording on YouTube.

Speakers include:
  • Rosie Tressler, CEO, Student Minds
  • Jenny Smith, Policy Manager, Student Minds
  • Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol
  • Eddie Rose, Student Staff Representative, Students Organising for Sustainability-UK
  • Richard Brabner, Director, UPP Foundation
  • Chair: Rose Stephenson, HEPI Director of Policy and Advocacy
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Student Minds is registered with Companies House, 07493445
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  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our strategy
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • University Mental Health Charter Assessors
      • Student Advisors
      • Anti-Racism Council
    • Our supporters
  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
      • Student stories
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Cost of living
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • Get Involved
    • Student opportunities
    • Staff opportunities
    • General supporter opportunities
  • Training
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Reports >
        • Student Mental Health Manifesto
        • Climate change and student mental health
        • Part-time, distance learner and commuter students
        • International Students
        • Life in a Pandemic
        • Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
        • The Role of an Academic
        • LGBTQ+ Research​
        • Student Voices
        • Graduate Wellbeing
        • Grand Challenges
        • University Challenge
        • Looking After a Mate
        • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
      • Consultation Responses
      • Insight Briefings >
        • Student Mental Health in a Pandemic >
          • Life in a pandemic: Wave II findings
        • Disabled students and Mental Health
      • Student Advisory Committee Reflections
      • Good practice guides >
        • Student Living
        • Co-producing Mental Health Initiatives With Student Volunteers
        • Podcasting About Mental Health
        • Co-producing mental health strategies with students
        • Supporting Male Student Mental Health
  • Support Us
    • Fundraise >
      • Step into Spring
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • Fundraise at university
      • Fundraise at work
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners
  • Donate
    • Online shopping
    • Payroll giving
    • Universities