Mental health and climate change: policy brief

Climate change exacerbates many social, environmental and economic risk factors for problems in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. Yet, despite this impact, large gaps also exist in many countries between mental health needs and the availability and accessibility of the mental health systems and services to address them.

This policy brief summarizes the relationship between climate and mental health and the increasing need for the provision of mental health and psychosocial support in a changing climate. The brief presents key approaches to address the mental health and psychosocial impacts of climate change, with illustrative case studies of real actions, and highlights five key recommendations for action.