Abstract
This study explores how South African youth climate activists perceive the intersection of climate change, injustice, and mental health. Using a qualitative design informed by critical environmental justice, decolonial theory, and a transformative paradigm, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten activists across four provinces. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) climate change as a profound psychological burden, especially for youth; (2) the unequal impacts of climate injustice rooted in apartheid-era inequalities; and (3) systemic neglect and policy failures, leading to feelings of betrayal and disillusionment. While activism offered meaning and community, it also resulted in burnout and emotional strain. Findings highlight that youth mental health is deeply shaped by climate change, structural violence, and historical injustice. The study calls for justice-oriented mental health approaches, inclusive climate governance, and culturally relevant education. It foregrounds youth voices, advocating for intersectional, systemic solutions to ecological and psychosocial harm.