Climate Change and Mental Health in Bangladesh: Vulnerability, Inequality, and the Crucial Need for Intervention on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

Climate-vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh will experience disproportionate impacts on health and well-being as climate change continues to worsen over the upcoming decades. The country’s unique geographic location and climactic conditions make it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change—drought, floods, sea water rise, land inundation and salt water intrusion, extreme temperatures and humidity, heatwaves, cyclones, all comprise a constellation of critical risk factors that threaten the mental health and well-being of Bangladeshi populations. There have been observed impacts on depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, and substance abuse, as a result. Climate change is poised to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and worsen mental health outcomes for all, but especially for already disadvantaged populations, such as poorer populations, women, and migrants. Community driven solutions are emerging and there has been progress on climate adaptation policies. However, there is a critical need for continued focus on holistic policy, interventions, and research, to fully understand and respond to the issue and safeguard the well-being of millions of Bangladeshi citizens living in precarious conditions on the frontlines of climate change.