Co-Creating a Resilient Future: Multiple and Disaggregated Impacts - Climate Change and Mental Health Series

Publication Date: 
2023
Volume: 
1
Series Title: 
UNU Climate Change and Mental Health Policy Brief Series
Publication Language: 
EN
Policy Brief Type: 
Abstract: 

Highlights:

  • Climate change–driven gender-based violence and mental health problems are gender sensitive, especially in developing countries where coping strategies are limited by resource deficiencies.
  • Insufficient mental health support is negatively impacting the mental well-being of young individuals and children, particularly in the face of climate change impacts and disaster occurrences.
  • Water insecurity (including dry conditions or floods) that hampers access and availability is a major risk factor for mental health. It is more so for women and girls, especially in rural areas where they are often responsible for provisioning water. 
  • Climate change is disproportionately harming the mental health of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including migrants and displaced populations.
  • Integrating mental health into climate change adaptation, mitigation and disaster recovery efforts remains key to reducing the risk of mental health problems.

This Policy Brief is the second in a series of three from the United Nations University - Climate Resilience Initiative (hosted by UNU institutes in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands) proposing recommendations on the impact of climate change on mental health and well-being. The first policy brief of the series outlines the current, global state of affairs; the second assesses the risks that intensify the impact on mental health; and the third identifies policy opportunities and solutions.