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The clinical implications of climate change for mental health

Nature Human Behaviour volume 6, pages 1474–1481 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

Climate change affects mental health through multiple pathways, including direct and indirect impacts, physical health and awareness of the climate crisis. Climate change increases the magnitude and frequency of extreme events with little or no time for recovery. This Review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence to inform the mental health field’s response to climate change. While further innovation is needed, promising approaches for health professionals are identified at the levels of interventions for individuals, community and system-wide responses, and advocacy and education. Health worker training is important, so we offer guidance on mental health assessment and clinical risks from climate change. We also outline strategies to enhance individual and community psychological resilience and promising approaches to working with people experiencing emerging climate-related disorders. Beyond clinical care, mental health professionals can lead on climate action and sustainability in health care and can research and educate on the health effects of climate change.

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Fig. 1: Roles and priorities of health professionals.
Fig. 2: SAFE mental health assessment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mental Health Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia

    Tara J. Crandon, James G. Scott & Hannah J. Thomas

  2. School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia

    Tara J. Crandon, James G. Scott, Hannah J. Thomas, Suhailah Ali & Fiona J. Charlson

  3. Department of Psychological Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia

    Cybele Dey

  4. School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Cybele Dey

  5. Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia

    James G. Scott

  6. Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Queensland Health, Wacol, Queensland, Australia

    James G. Scott, Hannah J. Thomas, Suhailah Ali & Fiona J. Charlson

  7. Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    James G. Scott

  8. Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    James G. Scott

  9. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Fiona J. Charlson

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Correspondence to Fiona J. Charlson.

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Crandon, T.J., Dey, C., Scott, J.G. et al. The clinical implications of climate change for mental health. Nat Hum Behav 6, 1474–1481 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01477-6

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