The effects of extreme weather such as flooding and heat are the biggest climate-related issues affecting mental health in the UK today, particularly impacting vulnerable populations who find it increasingly difficult to access transport and healthcare services in extreme conditions.
A newly published report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) outlines that mental health impacts are not felt equally – farming, rural communities, those with livelihoods connected to the land and those with pre-existing health issues are at heightened risk. New report highlights impact of climate change on mental health in the UK - GOV.UK
Seven overarching themes emerged from the research:
1. Climate change is impacting mental health and wellbeing
2. Climate change impacts the social and economic determinants of mental health and wellbeing.
3. Some occupational populations are at heightened risk from the mental health and wellbeing impacts of climate change.
4. Children and young people are at heightened risk from the mental health and wellbeing impacts of climate change.
5. Those with pre-existing health difficulties are at heightened risk from the mental health impacts of climate change.
6. Impacts on mental health and wellbeing from climate change can be long-lasting.
7. Protective pathways can help to minimise or buffer mental health and wellbeing impacts from climate change.
The report finds that the evidence on the mental health impacts of climate change is wide ranging, including increases in depression, anxiety and suicide. The impacts will not be felt equally among the population, with certain groups such as farmers, those who depend on the land, and children and young people particularly at risk.
Addressing these interconnected risks requires urgent, coordinated action across health systems, policy, and society, but there is much we can do to minimise the adverse health impacts from climate change on mental health. It is hoped that the report provides the basis for further action to protect population health.