Climate Mental Health Network Announces First-of-Its-Kind U.S. Website for Youth Climate Emotions

The Weather Within was designed with and for youth and gives adults, institutions and brands a practical way to support teens and young adults

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Climate Mental Health Network announced The Weather Within, a first-of-its-kind U.S. interactive website designed with and for youth to help teens and young adults understand and respond to their climate emotions. Launched Oct. 21 with support from the Cisco Foundation, The Weather Within brings peer stories, guided reflection, well-being practices and pathways to action into one accessible online experience.

The need is national. A peer-reviewed survey of 15,793 people ages 16–25 from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., published in The Lancet Planetary Health in October 2024 found that 85% were at least moderately worried about climate change, 42.8% reported an effect on their mental health and 38.3% said their climate feelings negatively affected daily life.

The Weather Within turns that evidence into practical support. Young people can name what they are feeling without being told there is one correct response. Teachers, caregivers, health networks, schools, youth organizations and brands that serve young people and families can use the site to open conversations, share credible resources, and strengthen emotional resilience.

“The research shows that climate emotions are already affecting how young people feel, function and plan for the future,” said Sarah Newman, founder and Executive Director of Climate Mental Health Network. “The Weather Within gives young people a place to make sense of those feelings on their own terms. It also gives the adults and institutions in their lives a practical way to listen, respond and connect them with support.”

A research-based foundation. The Weather Within builds on Climate Mental Health Network’s work supporting the national report Climate Change and Youth Mental Health. Led by the See Change Institute and Climate Mental Health Network, and funded by Blue Shield of California, the report synthesized research and identified promising approaches in schools, families, communities and clinical settings.

Support from the Cisco Foundation helped Climate Mental Health Network translate this research and youth input into an interactive website. Focus groups, testing and ongoing feedback from teens and young adults informed its content, design, language and user experience. Subject-matter experts helped ensure the resources are credible, age-appropriate, and informed by established practices.

Through The Weather Within, teens can:

• Explore climate emotions connected to extreme weather, environmental change, and uncertainty about the future.
• Hear from other young people through real stories and perspectives that show there is no single right way to feel.
• Use practical well-being tools including grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, and guided reflection.
• Find ways to respond through organizations, resources, and opportunities to learn, connect, and take action.

A resource for the people and institutions around young people. Educators and caregivers can use The Weather Within to start or continue conversations. Health networks can include it in well-being resource libraries. Schools, youth organizations, and brands can share it through programs and community outreach.

The Weather Within is an educational and well-being resource. It is not a crisis service or a substitute for professional mental health care.

Explore The Weather Within: www.theweatherwithin.org

About Climate Mental Health Network

Climate Mental Health Network centers youth voices and works nationwide with young people, parents and educators to strengthen emotional resilience through community leadership and collective care. Learn more at www.climatementalhealth.net.