Biden's climate corps aims to curb eco-anxiety

President Joe Biden's new American Climate Corps is designed to address climate change while providing green jobs and potentially alleviating climate anxiety among young people.

Kate Yoder reports for Grist.

In short:

• The American Climate Corps offers jobs restoring wetlands, installing solar panels, and addressing climate anxiety.
• Many young people are unsure how to take effective climate action, which contributes to widespread eco-anxiety.
• Structured, hands-on work with clear goals can alleviate the distress associated with climate change.

Key quote:

“There’s something about, ‘Here is a clear job with a clear timeline and a clear local goal. I can, like, put my hands in the dirt.’'"

— Kidus Girma, campaign director of the Sunrise Movement

Why this matters:

The American Climate Corps not only fights climate change but also provides mental health benefits by giving young people purposeful work, fostering social support, and building psychological resilience. Read more: Robbie Parks on climate justice and mental health.