Climate anxiety in early childhood: A state-of-the-art review

Jane Spiteri

doi:10.37291/2717638X.202562558

Authors

Jane Spiteri University of Malta https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6625-2372

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37291/2717638X.202562558

Keywords:

Climate anxiety, Climate change, Early childhood, Mental health, Emotions, State-of-the-art review (SotA)

Abstract

As the climate crisis intensifies, young children are increasingly exposed to psychological stress linked to environmental change, manifesting in emerging forms of anxiety, sadness, and guilt. Although climate anxiety in children is gaining international recognition as a legitimate mental health concern, little is known about how these emotions specifically develop in children under the age of eight. This paper presents the first comprehensive state-of-the-art (SotA) review of research on climate anxiety in early childhood, systematically mapping current knowledge, identifying key conceptual and methodological gaps, and proposing priorities for future inquiry. Findings reveal that empirical studies in this area remain scarce, are often adapted from adult-centered frameworks, and predominantly situated within Euro-Western contexts. The review argues for developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and interdisciplinary approaches that seriously engage with both the emotional experiences and agentic capacities of young children. By highlighting critical gaps and outlining future research directions, this review lays the foundation for a more inclusive, child-sensitive, and globally relevant research agenda on climate anxiety in early childhood.

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