Advocacy Briefs: Climate Change, Environment, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Impacts and Practical Solutions

Global temperatures are rising and extreme weather events are leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, landslides, storms, wildfires and droughts. These occurrences are having a negative effect on people’s mental health across the world, exacerbating symptoms of mental health conditions and increasing mortality rates among those already living with mental ill-health. These impacts are most acutely felt in low- and middle-income countries.

Our Climate & Mental Health briefing and Environment, Mental Health and Wellbeing briefing are the product of discussions among the Global Mental Health Action Network (a network of over 3,500 individuals from more than 150 countries).  They draw upon recommendations from esteemed organisations like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These briefings provide a comprehensive overview of the current and projected impacts of climate change on mental health. It also outlines practical measures that governments should undertake to address mental health challenges both presently and in the future.

We urge our national partners to utilise these briefings as tools for national advocacy. Let's work together to ensure that mental health remains a central consideration in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

These briefings are now available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Download them now!