Psychologists in Finland sign climate petition, citing concerns for youth mental health

Greens MP Outi Alanko-Kahiluoto receives the petition from three of nearly 400 signatories demanding that the next government take action to fight climate change. (Terhi Toivonen/Yle)
Nearly 400 psychologists and psychology students have handed a petition to lawmakers involved in government formation talks, demanding that they take measures to combat global climate change.

The petitioners voiced concern about the anxiety, depression and sense of hopelessness that the future implications of the climate crisis are causing among young people in Finland.

Psychologists also called on the country make efforts to stem average global temperature increases to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels in order to help protect the mental health of its younger generations.

The group characterised recent strikes and demonstrations by young people as constructive reactions to real concerns about their future.

The petition was handed over to the five parties involved in ongoing government formation talks at the House of the Estates in Helsinki. Greens MP Outi Alanko-Kahiluoto formally accepted the petition on Monday morning.

“If we do not take the crisis of climate change seriously, it will put considerable pressure on our young people and children who will be forced to bear the consequences of climate change in the future,” Alanko-Kahiluoto said.

Government formation talks are expected to continue through the week. Head negotiator and chair of the Social Democrats, Antti Rinne, has said he wants the discussions to be completed by Friday.

Related stories from around the North:

Canada: The Arctic ‘locked-in’ for 3 to 5 °C temperature rise, UN report warns, Radio Canada International

Finland: Most Finns would support restrictions on clear-cutting, Yle News

Norway: Temperatures on Svalbard have been above normal for 100 straight months, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Warmest winter ever on the Northern Sea Route, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Sweden’s emissions are rising instead of falling, Radio Sweden

United States: Alaska’s largest city unveils climate plan calling for 80 percent emissions cut by 2050, Alaska Public Media

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