Climate change and mental health – an overview as part of UCL’s COP 26 campaign

<p>In this working paper, I provide a summary of how climate change impacts on mental health and point to gaps in knowledge.  </p> <ul> <li>Substantial evidence shows that high temperatures and severe weather events are linked to mental health issues.</li> <li>Eco-anxiety (worry about the environment) can cause psychological distress.</li> <li>The mental health implications of climate change have been historically neglected both in research and policy.</li> <li>Removing stigma around mental health is important to create resilient responses to mental health impacts of climate change and collect necessary data.</li> <li>The cost implications of climate change impacts on mental health need to be considered.</li> <li>Actions to mitigate climate change can positively influence mental health.</li> <li>Worldwide tracking of the mental health impacts of climate change is necessary.</li> <li>Key stakeholders such as policy makers, health care professionals, researchers and communities need to be brought together to share expertise, identify promising interventions and coordinate action.https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/news/2021/jul/climate-change-and-mental-health</li> </ul>