OpEd: Montana Climate Matters - Emotional impacts on Youth

If you are worried about the impact of climate change on our shared future, you’re not alone. Many of us are familiar with the economic impacts of climate-fueled disasters, including recent widespread flooding in Libby. A report from Climate Central calculated that climate change caused $115 billion in economic damages in 2025. Yet, you may not have considered the growing emotional and psychological toll of the climate crisis.

Young people are especially worried about the future we’re leaving them. In a recent survey, more than 45% of Gen Zers said that worrying about climate change interferes...