Climate change is negatively impacting not only physical health but also mental health, as individuals and communities cope with climate stresses and shocks, and threats to their and future generations’ welfare. For instance, people living with mental health conditions are more likely to die during a heatwave, and experiencing the consequences of an extreme weather or climate event can induce grief, distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and even suicide. Without support, an increasing psychological burden can limit the capacity of individuals and communities to take required climate actions. While the climate crisis is a risk multiplier for mental health, conversely climate action is an opportunity to create a world that better supports good mental health.
This seminar will summarise the evidence base for how climate change and mental health are deeply connected. In unpacking the range of psychological responses to the climate crisis we will also explore what narratives and coping strategies are helpful, and how we can take mentally and emotionally sustainable action, together, towards a future that centres wellbeing. The climate and mental health field is transdisciplinary, with relevant methods including mixed methods survey and interview studies, epidemiological studies, policy research and more.
This seminar will take place in-person at Blackett LT3.
Please register using the link below if you would like to attend this seminar.
Register now
About the speaker:
Dr Emma Lawrance leads the Climate Cares Centre, working with diverse experts to better understand and respond to the interconnections between climate change and mental health, including through the Connecting Climate Minds global initiative. She holds degrees in physics, chemistry, science communications and neuroscience, and loves being outdoors, particularly in her homelands of Kaurna Country/Adelaide hills.
About the Changing Planet Seminar Series:
This is a Changing Planet Seminar, funded by NERC as part of the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP based at the Grantham Institute.