Mental health, well-being and climate change: Scope and challenges

Abstract

Climate change (CC) manifests itself through extreme weather conditions and is gaining more and more attention from the scientific community and civil society, considering the social implications in various domains of daily life. Undeniable social, economic and environmental consequences have been disclosed worldwide, in addition to the significant psychosocial impacts that the resulting weather events pose to mental health and well-being of people. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vicarious trauma, anxiety, substance abuse, depression, survivor guilt, recovery fatigue, and suicidal ideation, are some of the mental health problems linked with the occurrence of catastrophic weather events. Other threats involve financial and relationship stress and the consequent potentiation of the risks of violence, in particular gender-based violence (GBV) and aggression, disproportionately affecting those who are most marginalized. Paradoxically, and in response to CC, the research shows that these same circumstances may also inspire individuals to more positive and adaptive behaviours, such as altruism, optimism and compassion, promoting a life meaning and individual development, motivated by CC post-traumatic growth. Based on an expert-driven literature review, this chapter intends to assess and discuss the relevant literature describing how CC impacts on the mental health and well-being of individuals and societies, as well as the hazards associated with increasing problems of violence and aggression. Likewise, it also aims to analyse and discuss specific responses to the CC that can contribute to positive changes in learning, growth and behaviour throughout life. The promotion of pro-environmental behaviour through education is considered as an important strategy in this context.