A New Zealand-first study commissioned by youth mental health advocate I Am Hope shows climate anxiety is severely affecting young Kiwis.

Conducted by truwind-Research First and Dynata, the online survey of 600 people aged 18 to 25, reveals nearly 60 per cent of respondents consider climate change the most important issue facing the world and 42 per cent see it as the major problem facing New Zealand.

Nearly 25 per cent of respondents feel some impact on their mental health from climate change and a similar number say they are not handling things effectively, mentally.

There was a clear picture from responses of worry, frustration, and helplessness about the future due to climate change.

Nearly 35 per cent of respondents feel worried, scared, or anxious and over a third are experiencing regular stress because of it.

More than half feel a sense of moral duty to address climate change, yet many feel the Government and industry are not doing enough, adding to their sense of frustration and helplessness.

I Am Hope launches nation-wide tour to support youth anxiety over climate change. Photo supplied.

In response, I Am Hope is launching the ‘I Am Climate Hope Tour,’ a 5000km national ride led by Mike King on an electric Ubco motorbike. The tour will run from October 1 to October 29, travelling from Auckland to Cape Reinga, down to Bluff, and back to Auckland.

”This research paints a disturbing picture of the mental health crisis brewing among our rangatahi, driven by climate anxiety. It’s clear that their well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet,” King said.

“Our Climate Hope Tour is about acknowledging these fears and offering hope and tangible solutions for a sustainable future.

”We want to meet with people from all walks of life, listen to them and hear their concerns. We want to let them know that we are here to support them, and show that together, we can face these challenges,” he said.

Genesis, the key partner in this initiative, emphasised the importance of addressing both climate change and mental health.

The company is on a pathway to decarbonising itself and helping its customers reduce emissions.

Genesis chief executive Malcolm Johns and comedian Mike King.

Genesis has a goal of having 95 per cent of its generation being renewable by 2035.

Chief executive Malcolm Johns said addressing climate change was crucial for the future of New Zealand and the company’s strategy was directly linked to supporting the country’s net-zero 2050 goal legislated under the Zero Carbon Act.

”That includes supporting the mental health of those most affected by climate change as the country works toward that goal.”

This tour will touch thousands of New Zealanders and provide some useful tools to manage the anxiety that is being experienced by many young Kiwis, Johns said.

”The tour is also being supported by Ubco, which is providing electric motorcycles for the journey, and Ara Ake, New Zealand’s future energy centre, showcasing sustainable energy solutions.

”We’re thrilled to be a part of the ‘I Am Climate Hope’ tour, providing sustainable transport solutions with our electric bikes, said Grant Payton, General Manager of Global Fleet and Business Development at Ubco.

“This journey aligns perfectly with our mission to make a positive impact on the environment, and we’re proud to support an initiative that addresses both climate action and mental health in New Zealand’s youth,”

”As the national innovation centre for energy, Ara Ake aims to showcase Kiwi innovations during the I Am Climate Hope tour to inspire young New Zealanders to take positive action towards a sustainable future and foster hope,” Ara Ake chief executive Cristiano Marantes said.

For more information on the “I Am Climate Hope” tour, destination list, and to follow the journey visit rideforhope.co.nz