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

In this working paper, I provide a summary of how climate change impacts on mental health and point to gaps in knowledge.  

• Substantial evidence shows that high temperatures and severe weather events are linked to mental health issues.
• Eco-anxiety (worry about the environment) can cause psychological distress.
• The mental health implications of climate change have been historically neglected both in research and policy.
• Removing stigma around mental health is important to create resilient responses to mental health impacts of climate change and collect necessary data.
• The cost implications of climate change impacts on mental health need to be considered.
• Actions to mitigate climate change can positively influence mental health.
• Worldwide tracking of the mental health impacts of climate change is necessary.
• 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