Climate Change and Mental Health
1Department of Psychology, The College of Wooster, 930 College Mall, Wooster, OH, 44691, USA. sclayton@wooster.edu.
Current Environmental Health Reports
|January 3, 2021
Summary
Climate change significantly impacts mental health through extreme weather and gradual shifts, causing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Further research is crucial for effective mitigation and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatry
- Climate Science
Background:
- Climate change presents a growing threat to global public health.
- Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical area affected by environmental stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and potential effects of climate change on mental health.
- To synthesize evidence on the psychological impacts of climate-related events and conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence.
- Analysis of research on extreme weather events and gradual climatic changes.
- Examination of studies on climate change anxiety.
Main Results:
- Extreme weather events linked to climate change increase depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Gradual climatic changes, including rising temperatures and reduced air quality, negatively affect mental well-being.
- A significant portion of the population experiences anxiety related to their perception of climate change.
Conclusions:
- Climate change poses a substantial risk to population mental health.
- Increased research is needed to quantify these impacts and develop effective interventions.
- Addressing the mental health consequences of climate change requires integrated strategies.
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