Climate Change and Mental Health
Susan Clayton1, Tara Crandon2,3
1Department of Psychology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA;
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|December 11, 2024
Summary
Climate change significantly impacts mental health through various pathways, increasing risks for vulnerable populations. Building resilience and preparing the mental health field are crucial for addressing this growing global challenge.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Climate change poses a substantial and growing threat to global mental health.
- Psychological impacts manifest through acute, chronic, indirect, and vicarious exposure pathways.
- Specific populations face disproportionately higher risks from climate-related mental health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the multifaceted impacts of climate change on mental health.
- To outline the challenges climate change presents to healthcare services.
- To inform strategies for prevention, intervention, and resilience-building.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on climate change and mental health.
- It examines diverse pathways of psychological impact.
- It discusses implications for healthcare systems and professionals.
Main Results:
- Climate change affects mental health via direct (acute, chronic) and indirect (social, economic) pathways.
- Vulnerable groups experience amplified mental health burdens.
- Healthcare services face significant future demands due to climate-related mental health issues.
Conclusions:
- Urgent prevention and intervention strategies are necessary to mitigate mental health impacts.
- Fostering resilience at individual, community, and systemic levels is essential.
- The mental health field must proactively prepare for long-term population health challenges posed by climate change.
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