IAS Student Alexandra Luna Presents at Washington Public Health Association

Alexandra Luna, a student from Dr. Jennifer Atkinson’s climate anxiety course, presented on mental health and climate change at the 2024 Washington State Public Health Association conference. She was invited to join the panel as part of Atkinson’s research cohort “Integrating end-user needs in the measurement of young adult climate distress,” which is funded by a grant from the UW Population Health Initiative.

In the opening remarks of her statement, Luna stated the following:

“Every time I hear about the latest global warming crisis, a wave of emotion washes over me. It’s heartbreaking to witness the relentless damage human activity continues to inflict on our planet’s ecological diversity. From the depths of our oceans to the peaks of our mountains, glaciers, and agricultural lands, nothing is spared. As a young person, this constant reminder of environmental degradation creates a unique kind of eco-grief and climate anxiety—one that weighs heavily on my generation. We’re not just watching the Earth change; we’re watching our future slip away.

….While the global crisis is complex and politically charged, much of the frustration my generation feels stems from the inaction of politicians and business leaders who have had the power to enact meaningful change for decades but failed to do so. For years, policies have been debated, watered down, or entirely neglected, with those in positions of power often prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability. This disregard not only exacerbates climate change but also takes a toll on our mental and physical health, as we are left to grapple with the consequences of decisions made long before we had a voice.”

However, Luna concluded her presentation on a note that highlighted the resilience of her generation and their determination to fight for a livable future:

“As I reflect on my journey through the Climate Change, Grief, and Resilience course taught by Professor Jennifer Atkinson at the University of Washington I am reminded that I am not alone. Many people my age share the same anxieties and fear over the future of our planet, and it was through this course that I found a sense of solidarity. Understanding that others are grappling with these emotions gave me hope. More importantly, it showed me the strength that lies in community resilience. Across the globe, people are coming together to confront climate issues, creating solutions that range from local sustainability projects to international advocacy movements. This collective action gives us agency in the face of overwhelming challenges. We are not powerless—there are coping mechanisms, such as building support networks, engaging in environmental activism, and advocating for policy changes, that help mitigate the emotional toll of climate anxiety. To my fellow environmentalist activists: we must continue working together, amplifying our voices, and pushing for change. It’s through our shared resilience and determination that we can influence the future and fight for the change the world so desperately needs.”