Research
LA Fires
Emotional Impacts and Support Needs in School Communities Affected by the 2025 Los Angeles Fires
We are currently conducting a research study to learn how members of affected school communities are coping with the mental health impacts of the 2025 Los Angeles megafires, document existing resources they are using to cope, and gain insights to develop novel mental health supports for fire-impacted school communities. The study is a needs and landscape assessment in school communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. We will engage community participants, including parents, educators (teachers, admin, and staff), and students.
Funding is generously provided by
· The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Global
· Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)
Middle School Toolkit Pilot
In 2024, Climate Mental Health Network conducted a pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of a resource we had developed -- the Climate Emotions Toolkit for Educators-- to help teachers support climate emotions in the classroom. To evaluate the effectiveness of this resource, 40 middle school teachers across the U.S. piloted the resource in their classrooms.
Nationwide Parents & Caregivers Focus Groups
In 2024, Anya Kamenetz conducted nationwide focus groups with parents in English and Spanish to better understand how they are navigating the emotional impacts of climate change to themselves and their families. These findings informed the design of the new guide for parents.
Nationwide Middle School Teachers Research
In partnership with NEEF, we conducted an IRB-approved research study, involving a survey and focus groups with middle school teachers from across the US in 2023. The goals of this research were to investigate (1) the emotional impacts teachers encounter in students related to climate change, (2) the emotional impacts teachers themselves experience, and (3) ways to support teacher and student mental health in the context of climate change.
In response to these findings, we developed the Climate Emotions Toolkit and piloted it nationwide in Fall 2024.
Climate Change and Youth Mental Health
Funded by Blue Shield of California with support from the Climate Mental Health Network and Global Fund for Mental Health, this report was led by the See Change Institute. The report:
(1) synthesizes current research on climate and mental health with a focus on youth and BIPOC
(2) shares a framework of the key components of climate resilience / anxiety interventions, and
(3) highlights promising approaches in schools, families, communities, and clinical settings for climate anxiety support.
Parents Research
Climate Mental Health Network is the co-creator of a first-of-its-kind free guide for parents and caregivers, How To Talk To Young People About Climate Emotions. We have received a federally funded research translation grant from Oregon State University to improve the for the further development of a guide to help families, caregivers and teachers talk with children about climate change and associated emotions.
Connecting Climate Minds
CMHN is part of this new and inspiring project which will bring together people from around the world to align research and action at the intersection of climate change and mental health. Our ambitious plan is to cultivate a connected, supported, and engaged community of practice on a global scale to create an actionable research agenda.
