YPIE Scientist: Kai Prophete

Research: The Relationship Between Age and Climate Anxiety

Mentor: Dr. Lauren Southwick

Research Location: Yonkers Partners in Education

Awards: Participation at Somers Science Fair

Abstract:

In 2023, global surface temperatures were 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels, nearing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement (Niranjan, 2024). Some people are so fearful of climate change that it consistently affects their daily lives. This is known as climate change anxiety, or simply climate anxiety. The questionnaire created by Clayton and Karazsia (2020) was given to 300 participants of various age groups. It is collecting information and questionnaire test scores to measure how much climate anxiety they had. Participants were divided into age groups based on their generation to determine the correlation between age and climate anxiety: Baby Boomers (1945-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Millennials (1981-1995), and Generation Z (1996-2010). Google Forms, a survey creation app, is being used to give the questionnaire in order to allow for easier data organization and convenience for both the researcher and the participant. I expect to find that the research rejects the null hypothesis and it supports the idea that the relationship between age and climate anxiety is indirectly proportional. The Mean Climate Anxiety score found for the Baby Boomers was 2.56, Generation X 2.36, Millennials around 2.39, and Generation Z around 2.62, where a higher score means higher climate anxiety. These results will suggest that overall younger generations are more concerned about the impact of climate change, likely because they will face its most severe effects. However, Baby Boomers are much more climate anxious than Millennials and Gen Z. As younger people become more concerned and anxious, they may be more likely to advocate for sustainable policies. The research matters because climate anxiety represents a psychological burden that has the potential to influence behavior, mental health, and even social and political actions.

About this Scientist:   

Kai Prophete is a senior who is currently pursuing his IB certificate at Yonkers High School. He attended the SHAPE Engineering summer program at Columbia University and the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program for International Relations. He plans on going into the field of International Relations at Macaulay Honors College – CCNY in order to pursue his dream of being an expert in history and applying his knowledge abroad.

Presentation Slides