World Environment Day celebration on 5th June 2023 at Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra  Odissi Research Centre.

Climate Change and Mental Health

Prof. (Dr.) Geetika Patnaik

The terms climate change and global warming are sometimes used inter changeably. Scientifically, climate change refers to long term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns whereas global warming is the rise in global temperatures due to increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  The phenomenon of trapping the sun’s heat by gases around the Earth is called the greenhouse effect.  It is reported by the scientists of NASA that the summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest year since global records began around 1880. Long term shifts in temperature and weather patterns leading to climate change can be a natural consequence of changes in solar activity and large volcanic eruptions. Moreover, burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and farming livestock are increasingly influencing the earth’s temperature and so also the climate. Such activities induce enormous amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and thus accelerates global warming. Besides, the combustion of coal, oil and gases which is the primary source of electricity production releases potent greenhouse gases like Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide, and Methane. These gases get accumulated in the atmosphere and by absorbing heat from the Sun contribute to global warming. As we all know rising global temperature, warming up of oceans, shrinking of ice sheets, retreating of glaciers, decreasing snow cover, rising sea level, declining arctic sea ice and above all increasing extreme events play major role in climate change.

The climatic disruption has increased the average global temperature which leads to more frequent high temperature extremes like heat waves.  It can also cause a rise in sea level that results in loss of coastal land, and increased risks of droughts and floods. As climatic conditions change, more frequent and intensifying weather and climate events are observed including storms, extreme heat, floods, droughts and wildfires. Undoubtedly, it is a threat to the lives of animals, plants, fungi, and even to microorganisms like bacteria that make up the natural world. Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in significant ways. It can bring many serious alterations to the environment and affect health in multifarious ways. Climate change not only affects physical health but also exerts influence on mental health. Studies indicate that people living in natural environments and green spaces are less likely to suffer from depression and that natural green areas help recovery from chronic stress. Further, better attentiveness is observed in individuals living in natural green environments. On the other hand, there is a positive relation between temperature rise and aggressive behavior.  Heat waves have been associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dementia among others. Extreme heat exposure can lead to physical as well as psychological exhaustion. Psychological consequences due to climate related disasters are manifold. Mostly, three types of factors that affect mental health are: Physical factors such as pollution, working conditions, and weather conditions. Social factors like mistreatment, poor social support and toxic relationships have detrimental effect on mental health. Psychological factors like lack of environmental stimulation and green outdoor spaces negatively affect mental well-being. Climatic disasters like floods, hurricanes and cyclones are often associated with psychiatric disorders.  Individuals who have been exposed to life threatening situations are at a considerable risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks of the event, increased arousal and avoidance of cues to the memory of the event. Individuals, who have undergone climate-related natural disasters, are at a greater risk of developing acute stress reactions and adjustment disorders. These are anxiety spectrum disorders which are referred to as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that subside over a period of time with rehabilitation and/ or treatment. The expanding research literature on climate change and mental health includes increasing evidence that extreme weather events which are more frequent, intense, and complex can trigger Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). “Climate anxiety” also referred to as Climate distress, ‘Climate grief’ or ‘Eco-anxiety’ casts a gloom upon people and make them feel sad for no particular reason. Adverse climate change and rising temperature, level of allergens and pollutants present in the air worsen the air quality. Emerging evidence suggests that poor air quality can negatively affect mental health and in particular provokes melancholy and hopelessness.

Although it is clear that climate change affects human health, the impacts of many climates sensitive health risks have not been estimated accurately till date. WHO’s response to adverse climate change mainly focuses upon three objectives. These are:

(i)                 Promote actions that will reduce carbon emissions and improve health as well. Big piles of rotten food at the local dump yard produce Methane, a greenhouse gas, and this is obviously not good for the environment. Hence, we have to make sure that the plate is always clean every time after we are having a meal. We must be conscious enough to use less electricity to minimize energy spent and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

(ii)              Build better and more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems. Research shows that people who are emotionally attached to natural environment are usually happier in life.  Emotional affinity towards nature is also associated with good mental health and positive attitude towards life. Nature can initiate positive emotions like peace, serenity, delight, imagination and facilitate mindfulness.

(iii)            Support a rapid and impartial transformation ensuring that health is central to climate change mitigation policy. Therefore, accelerate restoration actions that bring the greatest health gains. We have to mobilize community participation for sustainability and develop action plans accordingly.

Global warming is increasing day by day. Adverse climate change can lead to job loss, force people to migrate, and harm social cohesion and community resources. This will generate and aggravate mental health issues.  The magnitude of climate change depends upon what we do now to reduce greenhouse gas emission. First and foremost, we must all resolve to use renewable energy, conserve energy and water, restore forests and practice eco-friendly gardening to mitigate climate change. We agree, climate change cannot be stopped; however, it can be slowed down. Well, it is not too late to be hopeful !