On 12–13 August 2025, more than 90 young people (joined live) from across the world gathered online to mark the Ecumenical International Youth Day, reflecting on the theme: “Rooted in Hope: Nurturing Faith and Mental Well-being in the Face of Climate Crisis (Eco-Anxiety)”.
The two-day event was co-organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), and ACT Alliance, bringing together participants from all regions to explore how faith, advocacy, and youth-led action can respond to the challenges of the climate crisis and mental health.
Day One: Understanding Eco-Anxiety
The opening day focused on eco-anxiety and how climate disasters are disrupting lives and affecting the mental health of young people worldwide. “Mental well-being is more than just the absence of mental illness”, said Henriette Greulich, Chairperson of WSCF Europe, who provided an overview of eco-anxiety and invited participants to reflect on how such feelings manifest in their lives and communities. The discussions emphasized that inner well-being is deeply connected with the state of the planet and that acknowledging this link is central to faith-rooted climate engagement.
Day Two: Youth Initiatives and Climate Advocacy
The second day highlighted the climate initiatives and advocacies of young people active in local, regional, and global platforms. Malena Lozada Montanari, PhD student on Climate Change and Cities and member of SCM Argentina, was among the panelists. She brought in the perspective of WSCF, which connects climate and economic justice, stressing the need to bring together Christian faith and scientific knowledge to face the immense powers driving the climate crisis. Focusing on cities, she underlined their double role as both major polluters and vulnerable spaces where climate extremes impact millions of people, particularly marginalized communities.
“We are facing a future that may become irreversible. We need to be aware of what the 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius can cause: massive loss of biodiversity, species, human lives, and territory. But I think it is necessary that we speak with facts, engage with communities, and truly understand their real needs—not only remain at the level of general knowledge of what is happening. I think that as Christians, we must return to the basics: to be safe spaces, and to ensure that our common home is a place that embraces all people, not only those who have the privilege to face the climate crisis”, she affirmed.
Watch her whole speech here: https://youtu.be/0hMiEGyN4X0
Throughout the event, participants not only listened but also shared their stories, hopes, and commitments for climate justice and holistic well-being. With panelists representing every region, the International Youth Day gathering became a space of solidarity, where youth voices from various Christian denominations called for urgent climate action rooted in justice, compassion, and faith.
