From Fields to Feelings: Climate Anxiety, Pro-Environmental Behavior, and Coping Mechanism of Filipino Gen Z in Farming Families

Abstract

The study explored the differences and relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviors of Filipino Generation Z, particularly individuals from farming households in Jones and San Agustin, Isabela. Using a sequential-explanatory mixed-methods design, the study first gathered quantitative data from a large sample of 830 Gen Z participants aged 12–27 years, then followed with in-depth interviews among 10 selected respondents identified as being at risk of high climate change anxiety. The quantitative results showed that participants generally experienced low to moderate climate change anxiety, with a smaller but important group at high risk, and demonstrated a moderate level of pro-environmental behavior. Significant differences were observed across socio-demographic factors, especially age, while climate change anxiety showed a positive relationship with pro-environmental behavior. The qualitative findings further revealed that participants used varied coping strategies, including avoidance, seeking emotional support, reflecting on their feelings, and engaging in environmental actions. These results suggest that climate anxiety can function both as a psychological burden and as a motivation for constructive environmental behavior, depending on the individual’s coping resources, social support, and opportunities for action. Overall, the study highlights the need for a balanced and multi-level response that addresses both the psychological and behavioral dimensions of climate change anxiety among young people.