Cultural Heritage and Youth Resilience. navigating Eco-Anxiety in a Changing Climate

The chapter examines the intersection of climate change, youth mental health, and cultural heritage, highlighting the growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety among younger generations. It argues that climate change is not only an environmental and socio-political crisis but also a profound psychological challenge, intensifying feelings of uncertainty, loss, and identity disruption. While international frameworks increasingly acknowledge the need for mental health support in climate responses, the role of cultural heritage remains underexplored. Drawing on current research and European case studies, the chapter positions both tangible and intangible heritage, such as storytelling, rituals, artistic practices, and intergenerational knowledge, as key resources for fostering emotional resilience and community cohesion. It proposes a shift from viewing heritage as a vulnerable legacy to recognizing it as a dynamic, living process that can support adaptive capacities and well-being. Through participatory and culturally embedded approaches, heritage enables young people to make sense of environmental change, reinforce their sense of belonging, and develop coping strategies. The chapter ultimately calls for the integration of cultural heritage into youth-focused climate and mental health policies, advocating for cross-disciplinary, inclusive, and youth-led practices that empower new generations to confront climate uncertainty with agency, meaning, and hope.