A generation under fire: youth struggle with climate change and land loss in Bolivia

Sadness, helplessness and anger are the collective emotions expressed by youth in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In May 2024, a qualitative transdisciplinary research study revealed that these young individuals possess a nuanced understanding of the drivers of land loss, including deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture and land grabbing, often exacerbated by climate change. Youth recognise that the compounded effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, increase the frequency and severity of disasters like wildfires.

This article is written by Yesica Chavez, who conducted the research for her master’s thesis on global health supported by the Ñembi Guasu project. Photos on this page: © Yesica Chavez

Youth, climate change and mental health

The study focused on Bolivia, specifically the Santa Cruz territory, due to its critical role as one of the largest contributors to deforestation globally and its alarming rate of land loss, which significantly impacts the environment and local communities. Given that the youth represent a substantial population group in Bolivia, particularly in Santa Cruz, understanding their perceptions and experiences related to climate change and land loss is essential for identifying the psychological effects these issues have on their mental well-being and identity.

 The findings aim to highlight the urgent need for further research on the mental health impacts of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Bolivia, where existing support systems may be insufficient to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Engaging youth in this discourse not only empowers them but also fosters a deeper connection to environmental stewardship, ultimately driving more effective climate action.

Youth protests in 2024

The investigation was conducted prior to the massive wildfires that have silently ravaged the country in 2024. Although these wildfires have not received global attention, like those in 2019, the youth were determined not to accept the status quo in the face of increasingly severe wildfire seasons. Since August 2024, widespread protests involving youth, adults, firefighters, Indigenous communities and government officials have called for action against the wildfires. Participants are demanding the repeal of laws that permit slash-and-burn agriculture, the primary driver of these fires, which have devastated millions of hectares. Their objective is to advocate for forest protection and community safety while holding decision-makers accountable for the harm inflicted on local populations.

Key recommendations to improve youth engagement

This study underscores the interconnected impacts of climate change and land loss on youth, revealing that they are not just victims but potential agents of transformative change. Their nuanced understanding emphasises the urgent need for increased awareness and engagement with environmental issues, particularly regarding mental health and identity. The recommendations were organised in four buckets: awareness, resilience, adaptation and policy.

Awareness

• Develop educational programmes that raise awareness about the importance and purpose of protected areas while encouraging youth to spend more time in nature, fostering a deeper connection to the environment that enhances mental health and promotes proactive participation in conservation efforts.

Resilience

• Investment in mental health programmes is essential to address the psychological effects of land loss, climate change, rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality on youth. Collaborative efforts should prioritize support services and awareness initiatives that focus on the mental health impacts of wildfires, climate-related stressors and the loss of cultural and natural landscapes.

Adaptation

• Strengthen regional climate adaptation strategies by increasing green spaces, improving water access, and enhancing air quality monitoring systems. These efforts should focus on mitigating the effects of rising temperatures on human health and wildlife, while also establishing clear response protocols to address the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
• Implement a socio-ecological framework in protected area management that combines top-down wildlife conservation with active community involvement, particularly engaging Indigenous communities like the Guarani, to ensure that cultural heritage and land use are incorporated into conservation strategies, addressing the complex interactions between humans and the environment.

Policy

• Foster youth participation in climate policy by integrating their perspectives and initiatives into formal processes, creating a feedback loop that strengthens climate action efforts and support programmes like RED SCZ that empower youth to develop strategies for forest management, resilience and climate governance through collaborative retreats.
• Policies regulating slash-and-burn agriculture require strengthening to mitigate the increased risk of severe, potentially life-threatening wildfires.

Read more about the research on youth, land loss and climate change in Bolivia in the study summary: