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.