Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Eco-anxiety disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and younger generations. High and chronic levels of eco-anxiety may have significant impacts on mental health. METHODS: This qualitative study, utilizing a guided group discussion methodology, aimed to explore perceptions of climate change, eco-anxiety, health impacts, resilience, pro-environmental behaviors, and opinions on governmental and institutional actions in São Paulo, Brazil. Six focus groups were conducted: four with young residents and women community leaders from marginalized communities, and two with university students from higher-socioeconomic backgrounds. RESULTS: Perceptions of climate change varied: more vulnerable participants linked it to personal experiences but lacked understanding of its causes, while higher-income students relied on formal education. Though unfamiliar with "eco-anxiety," participants expressed related feelings. Vulnerable communities reported greater trauma and health impacts, with Black women leaders emphasizing how climate change exacerbates racial and gender inequalities. Community networks were vital for resilience, but climate change disrupted future plans-vulnerable groups faced immediate losses, while higher-income students made long-term choices like delaying parenthood. Poverty hindered collective pro environmental behavior in vulnerable communities. Participants from the outskirt criticized environmental messaging for neglecting their heightened risks. Across all groups, government inaction and prioritization of economic interests over environmental policies were key concerns. CONCLUSION: Poverty and exclusion drive and exacerbate climate vulnerability, with marginalized populations often feeling their experiences are overlooked in climate discourse. These findings may offer valuable insights into the socio-political dimensions of climate vulnerability in other Global South contexts.