Emotional Needs in the Face of Climate Change and Barriers for Pro-Environmental Behaviour in Dutch Young Adults: A Preliminary Study

Rapid environmental change triggers significant worry and distress among vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young adults. Little is known about how Dutch young adults experience and cope with environmental change within their specific social and environmental context. This study explores their climate-related emotions, emotional needs, and perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour, to inform strategies that can support and empower this group. Data were drawn from a large online survey among a representative sample of 1,006 Dutch young adults (16–35 years; 51% women). The questionnaire included fixed-answer sections on climate emotions, coping strategies, and climate distress, and two open-ended questions on emotional needs and perceived barriers to sustainable behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used for the closed items, and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. Many young adults reported worry and sadness about climate change and its impacts, with approximately one third experiencing feelings of powerlessness. A large percentage of respondents attributed responsibility to large companies, and nearly half indicated that they still have hope for the future. One third (31%) felt that nothing could make them feel better about environmental change, and another third (36%) reported to experience no climate-related emotions. Key emotional needs included more action at personal, community, and governmental levels, and more motivating positive news. Almost half (46%) said they already lived sustainably, while perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour were mainly financial (21%), knowledge-related (8%), and time-related (7%). This exploratory study highlights that Dutch young adults face both practical and emotional barriers to sustainable behaviour, and express diverse emotional needs in coping with climate change. More locally informed insights into emotional needs and perceived barriers can support the development of strategies that strengthen resilience and offer more tailored social, psychological, and structural support to vulnerable groups such as young adults.