Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2008 | Debate
Hope, despair and transformation: Climate change and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2008
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Background
This article aims to provide an introduction to emerging evidence and debate about the relationship between climate change and mental health.
Discussion and Conclusion
The authors argue that:
i) the direct impacts of climate change such as extreme weather events will have significant mental health implications;
ii) climate change is already impacting on the social, economic and environmental determinants of mental health with the most severe consequences being felt by disadvantaged communities and populations;
iii) understanding the full extent of the long term social and environmental challenges posed by climate change has the potential to create emotional distress and anxiety; and
iv) understanding the psycho-social implications of climate change is also an important starting point for informed action to prevent dangerous climate change at individual, community and societal levels.