Mental Health Impacts

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that extreme weather events are having significant impacts on psychological health and wellbeing. A 2019 Stanford University study found that there is a link between increased temperatures and suicide rates, while observed short and long term mental health impacts, such as post traumatic stress disorders can result from flooding events through the loss of belongings, livelihood and displacement. Additionally, further health impacts may arise from stress, anxiety and mental illness i.e. infectious disease transmission risks are considered high when linked to population displacement etc. (EPA, 2012).

Environmental Health and Mental Wellbeing

Unfortunately, climate change, health and wellbeing are quite commonly treated separately. Howevrer, more and more research suggests that considering these issues together when proposing policy around health, is fundamental to achieving best health outcomes, as these factors interact in complex ways and have impacts on the costs and benefits for society. The  interconnections between a sustainable environment and healthy living were recognised by the United Nations in the 2016 World Health Organisation report “ Preventing Disease Through Healthy Environments”. This understanding prompted the creation of the 17 goals on sustainable development, to ensure the sustainability of the planet while fostering  improvements in human health and wellbeing. In addition, the 2020 European Union 8th Environmental Action Programme explicitly focuses on improving environmental conditions to accrue benefits for societal health and wellbeing. This will play an important role in ensuring physical and mental health and wellbeing initiatives are developed and implemented with respect to climate change impacts.