Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The climate crisis is a risk multiplier for mental health challenges. Farmers are dying by suicide, communities are experiencing ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder, and people living with mental health conditions are three times more likely to die during heat waves. Experiencing climate hazards, awareness of the threats to come and the inaction of leaders can understandably make many people feel deeply distressed, angry, fearful and full of grief. These emotions strongly interact with the narratives we hold and are told, and the actions we take in response. Without support, there is a potential vicious cycle, where climate threats worsen mental health and weaken the capacity of communities to cope with further hazards and make transformational changes.
However, there is also an opportunity at the heart of the climate crisis, to create virtuous cycles of change that can benefit the climate and our minds. The actions we need for a safer climate future are strongly aligned with the conditions needed to foster good mental health and wellbeing, including strong and connected communities, access to green and blue spaces, active transport, reduced inequalities, clean air, and participatory governance. Taking action on climate can bring benefits for mental health and wellbeing, such as being part of communities of like-minded people like Scientists Rebellion and Scientists for XR. There are also challenges of taking sustained climate action though too, and burnout can be a constant threat without the right support.
This talk will summarise the deep interconnections between the climate crisis and mental health, and explore how we can foster the resilience that will enable us to continue to take steps towards the future we want to see.
Introduction (00:00)
Dr. Emma Lawrance's Talk (01:41)
Q&A (54:36)
The climate crisis is a risk multiplier for mental health challenges. Farmers are dying by suicide, communities are experiencing ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder, and people living with mental health conditions are three times more likely to die during heat waves. Experiencing climate hazards, awareness of the threats to come and the inaction of leaders can understandably make many people feel deeply distressed, angry, fearful and full of grief. These emotions strongly interact with the narratives we hold and are told, and the actions we take in response. Without support, there is a potential vicious cycle, where climate threats worsen mental health and weaken the capacity of communities to cope with further hazards and make transformational changes.
However, there is also an opportunity at the heart of the climate crisis, to create virtuous cycles of change that can benefit the climate and our minds. The actions we need for a safer climate future are strongly aligned with the conditions needed to foster good mental health and wellbeing, including strong and connected communities, access to green and blue spaces, active transport, reduced inequalities, clean air, and participatory governance. Taking action on climate can bring benefits for mental health and wellbeing, such as being part of communities of like-minded people like Scientists Rebellion and Scientists for XR. There are also challenges of taking sustained climate action though too, and burnout can be a constant threat without the right support.
This talk will summarise the deep interconnections between the climate crisis and mental health, and explore how we can foster the resilience that will enable us to continue to take steps towards the future we want to see.
Introduction (00:00)
Dr. Emma Lawrance's Talk (01:41)
Q&A (54:36)
