Climate crisis hits the young
A Unicef Malaysia survey reveals that over 80% of local youth have experienced climate-related disasters, leading to widespread feelings of fear and hopelessness. The report highlights that climate change is increasingly impacting the physical health and daily lives of young people, with nearly all respondents calling for urgent national action.
Why it matters
The findings underscore the growing psychological and physical toll of the climate crisis on younger generations, emphasizing the need for policy-driven environmental intervention.
PETALING JAYA: More than eight in 10 Malaysian youths have experienced at least one climate-related disaster in the past year, with nearly all saying the events left them feeling fearful, stressed or hopeless, according to Unicef Malaysia’s National Youth Climate Change Survey 2025.
The nationwide survey found that 83.2% of respondents experienced at least one disaster between 2024 and 2025, while 97.4% reported emotions such as fear, grief, hopelessness, stress or tiredness during climate-related events.
“These exposures, which range from floods and haze to heatwaves and drought, are strongly linked to disruptions in learning, access to essential services and physical and emotional well-being.
“The findings reveal a generation that is not only highly aware of climate risks but a generation already experiencing their effects firsthand,” the report said.
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