Climate Change and Mental Health - CCD - Center for Capacity Development

Climate change and mental health

Climate change
impacts on health

World Health Organization

Climate change induces both immediate mental health issues, like anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and long-term disorders due to factors like displacement and disrupted social cohesion.

KEY FACTS

Climate change is directly contributing to humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes and they are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity.

Research shows that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone.

The direct damage costs to health (excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation) is estimated to be between US$ 2–4 billion per year by 2030.

Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond.

Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices can result in very large gains for health, particularly through reduced air pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted several mental health impacts related to climate change:

Stress Reactions: Climate-related hazards can lead to intense emotional suffering. While most people can cope with distress after an emergency if their basic needs are met and security is restored, the initial impact is significant.

Stress-Related Physical Health Problems: Stress can weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to air pollution and water-borne diseases. It’s also linked to sleep disorders, which can exacerbate physical illnesses or worsen mental health. Chronic stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and potentially cancers.

Mental Health Conditions: Extreme weather events have been associated with the development of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

Strained Social Relationships: Climate-related hazards can strain interpersonal relationships and increase intimate partner violence. They also impact social support systems, leading to family separation and disruptions like children being relocated or missing school.

Helplessness, Fear, and Grief: The gradual unfolding of climate change can cause worries about the future, feelings of helplessness, and distress. People may experience loss, frustration, and feelings of betrayal and mistrust towards the government due to perceived inaction on climate change, particularly among young people.

Increased Risk of Suicidal Behaviour: There is a higher risk of suicide among those who have experienced repetitive or severe climate-related hazards. Additionally, rising ambient temperatures have been linked to increased suicide rates in various countries.

The WHO emphasizes that climate change poses significant risks to mental health. They urge countries to incorporate mental health support into their climate crisis responses, citing effective examples. The IPCC also highlighted the threat to mental health due to climate change.

Dr. Maria Neira of WHO points out the lack of mental health support for those facing climate-related challenges. Certain groups are disproportionately affected, and a 2021 survey revealed that few countries include mental health support in their climate plans.

The WHO recommends five key approaches for governments: