Prevalence and determinants of mental health related to climate change in Australia

Abstract

Aims: The climate emergency will likely prove this century’s greatest threat to public health within which mental health effects need consideration. While studies consistently show the majority of Australians are very concerned about the impacts of climate change, there is limited evidence from nation-wide research linking climate change with mental health burden in sub-populations. This study aimed to understand the impact of climate change on mental health in the Australian population and identify populations who are most at risk of climate-related mental health burden. Methods: A nation-wide Australian survey conducted between August and November 2020 of adults was approximately representative across sex, age, location, state and area disadvantage. Two-stage recruitment involved unrestricted self-selected community sample through mainstream and social media ( N = 4428) and purposeful sampling using an online panel ( N = 1055). Results: Most Australians report having a direct experience of a climate change–related event. Young people are experiencing significant rates of eco-anxiety. One in four people with direct experience of a climate change–related event met post-traumatic stress disorder screening criteria. People who have not had a direct experience are showing symptoms of pre-trauma, particularly in younger age groups and women. There were 9.37% (503/5370) of respondents with responses indicating significant eco-anxiety, 15.68% (370/2359) with pre-traumatic stress and 25.60% (727/2840) with post-traumatic stress disorder. Multivariable regressions confirmed that younger people are more affected by eco-anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (pre- or post-trauma); women are more affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (pre- or post-trauma) and those from more disadvantaged regions are more affected by eco-anxiety. Conclusion: Australia is facing a potential mental health crisis. Individuals with and without direct experience of climate change are reporting significant mental health impacts, with younger age groups being disproportionately affected. There are key roles for clinicians and other health professionals in responding to and preventing climate-related mental health burden.

Psycho-social factors associated with climate distress, hope and behavioural intentions in young UK residents

“…Recent research has demonstrated that climate anxiety is an increasingly common experience, and while certainly not restricted to, appears to be especially prominent among younger generations (5,8,15,39,40). We have previously reported on young people's experiences with and feelings about climate change as compared to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that, in spite of the more direct impact on their day-to-day lives, pandemic worries were -to some extent -overshadowed by young people's continuing concern about climate change (10).…”

Is climate change affecting mental health of urban populations?

“…The young seems to be more vulnerable to certain psychological consequence to climate event [37], such as psychoterratic syndromes and climate related distress [38 ▪ ], or pretrauma symptoms and distress caused by the loss of advantageous land [15] even if they are not directly exposed to visible consequences or live in big cities, which may not represent a protective effect. In case of direct exposure to climate change-related events, they show PTSD symptoms, higher intensity of emotional stress, feeling of hopelessness, powerlessness, alarm.…”

Women and planetary health in Asia-Pacific

“…Environmental crises such as climate change elevate health vulnerability, especially mental health risks, leading to emotions such as anxiety, depression, and helplessness. Patrick et al (2022)'s study on nationwide survey in Australia on the impact of climate change on mental health identified the population groups that are most at risk of climate-related mental health issues. According to this study, climate change-related mental health issues disproportionately affect women, young people, those from disadvantaged regions, and those who have experienced climate change-related extreme events.…”