Climate change poses a significant threat to human health and wellbeing, including mental health. Not only are individuals directly exposed to traumatic incidents such as extreme weather events and natural disasters, but they also grapple with psychological responses including climate anxiety. The impact of climate change on mental health has been determined to have increasingly strong and long-lasting effects.
Researchers have emphasized the need for more attention to be paid to the relationship between climate change and mental health, calling for more research and implementation of cross-disciplinary recommendations. Alford and colleagues (2023) have risen to this challenge by developing recommendations spanning the sectors of research, healthcare, policy, and the third sector, with an emphasis on collaboration. The objective is to create tailored action plans acknowledging the diverse global impact of climate change on mental health.
The study employed a modified Delphi methodology to achieve consensus among experts. The panel of 61 participants from 24 different nationalities spanned diverse expertise and demonstrated gender balance. The study aimed to identify and prioritize recommendations across sectors for addressing the mental health implications of climate change. The final recommendations were carefully crafted through a rigorous process, resulting in a framework for coordinated action nationally and internationally.
The study provided valuable insights into expert opinions on addressing the intersection between climate change and mental health. However, there are limitations to consider, such as potential biases in participant recruitment and generalizability of recommendations to the Global South. Nonetheless, the study’s recommendations present a practical guide for leaders in developing strategies to address mental health challenges in the face of climate change. The recommendations emphasize the need for customizing interventions to suit local contexts and encourage cross-sector collaboration.
