Work

The impact of climate change on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Climate change has already become a growing worldwide threat with extensive effects on the mental health, but the dimensions and dispersion of this liability need to be synthesized in detail. The systematic review and meta-analysis review is based on evidence of 49 studies of 25 countries (2000-2025) adhering to PRISMA. Random-effects meta-analyses found significant pooled prevalence estimates of post-traumatic stress disorder (23.23%), depression (28.41%), anxiety (31.14%), and psychological stress (31.94%) with high heterogeneity between studies. The increased vulnerability was observed among women, low-income groups, people whose livelihoods depended on climate, and Indigenous groups, whereas resilience was linked to social support, self-efficacy, and cultural practices. The results indicate that climate change is a vital risk factor of mental health disorders on the international level, as there is a pressing need to incorporate mental health protections into climate change adaptation strategies and specific measures of vulnerable groups.

Source: Geopsychiatry

DOI: 10.1016/j.geopsy.2026.100067

Authors: Yasmeen Niazi, Syed Muhammad Yousaf Farooq, Muhammad Moazzam, Shehzad Yousaf, Sajid Hameed

Institution: Green International University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500