This funder brief was developed by Blue Sky Funders Forum, in partnership with OneGreenThing and the Climate Mental Health Network, in response to a growing and under-resourced mental health challenge facing young people today: eco-anxiety
As climate impacts accelerate across the globe, so do feelings of anxiety, grief, and uncertainty, particularly among youth. This brief brings together emerging research and practical insights to explore how time outside and nature-based programming can play a meaningful role in helping young people process climate emotions, build resilience, and develop a sense of agency and action. By connecting the dots between climate mental health and outdoor access, we aim to equip funders across sectors including environment, health, education, and community wellbeing, with actionable context for investment.
This publication reflects Blue Sky’s ongoing commitment to translating research and cross-sector learning into clear, funder-relevant resources. Blue Sky funder briefs are designed to support strategic grantmaking, spark conversation, and surface opportunities for aligned action. We are pleased to make this brief publicly available in order to broaden its reach, particularly among health-focused funders.
About the Blue Sky Funders Forum
Blue Sky Funders Forum regularly convenes conversations and develops resources for funders interested in the role of the outdoors in advancing health, equity, and community wellbeing.
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