Climate Change: A Social Determinant of Mental Health

Abstract

Climate change is one of the urgent public health problems confronting the world as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 13. It impacts health and health systems in many ways, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to add an additional 250,000 deaths/year. This article highlights climate change as a social determinant of health and mental health, in particular. The mental health consequences of climate change need to be prioritized and made inclusive in policy frameworks and global mental health plans. Although a challenging task, the approach to mental health outcomes of climate change needs to be prioritized and health systems and communities need to be sensitized and mobilized for action.

Keywords

• climate change
• eco-anxiety
• mental illness
• meterosensitivity