A Global Perspective on Climate Change and Mental Health

The effects of climate change on human well-being are increasingly becoming apparent. Widespread attention to increases in wildfires, intense storms, droughts, flooding, and heatwaves highlights the impacts of climate change not only on physical health but also on mental health. Yet, the range and diversity of impacts is still little recognized. To gain an adequate understanding of the risks posed by climate change to mental health, attention should be paid to the variety of ways in which these impacts are experienced in various locations around the world and the factors that increase vulnerability. This chapter describes the principal ways in which climate change threatens mental health as well as some of the global variabilities. We highlight three illustrative geographic areas for which substantial research is available, namely, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines, and summarize some general recommendations for responding to this threat to mental health and promoting resilience. In conclusion, we identify important research gaps and areas for further exploration.