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INSIDE THE VILLAGE: Why young people think we're doomed

On this week's episode of the podcast: New research reveals that the climate crisis is having a massive impact on the mental health of young Canadians

Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.

On this week's episode: The kids don't think we'll be alright.

New research from Lakehead University reveals that young Canadians are far more stressed and anxious about climate change than we may have realized. Two professors surveyed 1,000 people between the ages of 16 and 25, and this is what they found:

• Nearly half — 48 per cent — think humanity is doomed.

• Almost four out of five — 78 per cent — say climate change impacts their overall mental health. 

• Almost three-quarters — 73 per cent — find the future frightening.

• 76 per cent think people have failed to take care of the planet, while 39 per cent are hesitant to have children.

• 71 per cent feel angry about the Canadian government’s response to climate change — and 69 per cent feel abandoned.

The research was conducted by Dr. Lindsay Galway, an associate professor of health sciences, and Dr. Ellen Field, an assistant professor in education. Field joins Inside the Village to talk about their eye-opening findings.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode is available on this news site /insidethevillage. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

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