Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The global climate is changing because of humanity’s use of fossil fuels. Yet overall, only 45% of Americans understand that human activity is a significant contributor to climate change, with this perspective greatly influenced by political leanings and age demographic 1 . Nonetheless, climate change remains the single greatest threat to humans’ physical and mental health 2 , 3 . The significance of this threat arises from the insidious penetration of climate change into all aspects of life through changes in air temperature, air quality, food and water availability and infectious disease among other challenges 4 . While this is happening, it is evident that rising temperatures are having direct effects on the mental and physical health of children 5 . In fact, a recent study explored the relationship between catastrophic climate events and emergency department visits for depression and anxiety in Houston, Texas finding a surge in visits associated with depression and anxiety, especially for children under 18 years of age 6 . In another study, Vercammen and colleagues 7 assessed over 2800 US youth regarding their sense of their own mental health as well as psychological distress and their sense of agency over climate change. The approach is based on the Changing Worlds Survey 8 , 9 . Their overall observation is that youth are already struggling with the obvious reality of climate change and that it is directly impacting their sense of the future. Additional studies also identify the gap between mental health interventions and climate policy 10 and others focus on building overall resilience to climate change, recognizing that it requires an added focus on mental health and well-being 11 . In fact, a survey of Americans found that nearly 90% of those aged 18-29 already expect to make sacrifices in their lives due to climate change 1 . This perspective feeds into the underlying concerns related to the changing climate and its impact on the environment. These concerns, are now being called ‘eco-anxiety’, demonstrating the direct links between mental health and climate change 2 .
Source: npj Climate Action
Authors: John A. Pollock, Brinley Kantorski
Institution: Duquesne University
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,340
Award: G167518061
OpenAlex ID: W4414034276