The handbook Youth, Emotions, and the Planet, produced by Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) addresses the growing emotional impact of the global ecological crisis on young people. It explores “eco-emotions” – a wide spectrum of feelings, from anxiety and grief to hope and pride, that emerge in response to environmental change. Rather than pathologising these emotions, the guide frames them as natural and meaningful reactions that reflect our interconnectedness with the planet.

The handbook begins by explaining eco-anxiety and climate distress, highlighting their effects on mental health and social life. It stresses that young people are disproportionately affected, often feeling isolated or unheard in their concerns. By presenting eco-emotions as both individual and collective experiences, the handbook emphasizes the importance of solidarity and community support.

Practical tools are provided for navigating these emotions, such as the Climate Emotions Wheel and the LOVE model (Listen, Observe, Validate, Express), which encourage emotional agility and resilience. Coping strategies range from self-care and mindfulness to community dialogues and collective resilience-building. Personal stories, exercises, and discussion prompts illustrate how individuals can transform anxiety into constructive action.

Moving towards a resilient future, the handbook also addresses burnout in climate activism and advocates for “regenerative action” – activism that sustains both people and the planet. It encourages non-formal education, community training, and advocacy as powerful avenues for empowering youth to turn emotions into meaningful change.

Ultimately, the handbook is both a reflective and practical resource: it validates eco-emotions, provides coping and resilience-building strategies, and highlights pathways for personal growth, collective solidarity, and sustainable action in the face of the triple planetary crisis.