500%
Percentage increase in the number of climate-related disasters across the globe over the past 50 years, according to the World Meteorological Organizationopens in new window.
DeAngelis, T. (2024, October 1). By the Numbers: Climate change disasters contribute to mental health issues in teens. Monitor on Psychology, 55(7). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/10/climate-change-mental-health-adolescents
22
Average number of days during 2017–2019 that U.S. teens in urban school districts were subject to federally declared climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, severe storms, or wildfires. A quarter of teens studied experienced at least 45 such days over that time, with students in Florida and Southern California affected more than students from other states.
23%
Percentage of teenagers in urban school districts who reported symptoms of mental distress during 2017–2019, as measured by reports of sleep problems as well as feeling sad and hopeless.
15%
Teens exposed to 45-plus days of these disasters are at a 15% greater risk of developing mental health problems than those exposed to fewer days. The strongest effects were seen 2 years after the disaster, with effects gradually weakening 5 to 10 years after the disaster.
