Statement on Mental Health and Climate Change Released

Mental Health and Climate Change Statement Released NGOs and health experts gathered under the Environment, Climate and Health Cooperation Project (ÇİSİP) umbrella have released a statement on Mental Health and Climate Change. Under the Environment, Climate and Health Cooperation Project (ÇİSİP), which has been ongoing for three years with support from EU Networks and Platforms in partnership with HEAL (Health and Environment Alliance), the Association of Public Health Specialists (HASUDER) and Kocaeli University Department of Public Health, and published with the contribution of the Turkish Psychiatric Association, the statement draws attention to the adverse effects of climate change on mental health and calls for meeting the growing need to provide mental health and psychosocial support in preparing for and responding to the climate crisis. Threats linked to climate change, growing each day and becoming a global crisis, have increased exponentially over the 50-year period between 1970 and 2020. Half of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and forest fires have occurred since 2003 and affected approximately 5 billion people. It has long been known that climate change adversely affects our physical health. Extreme temperatures lead to heat stroke and deaths, floods cause the spread of waterborne diseases, and air pollution from forest fires leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, climate change can also intensify social and environmental risk factors, both triggering new mental health problems and worsening the situation for people already experiencing mental health issues. The effects of the climate crisis on mental health can be classified as direct and indirect impacts. The direct effects of the climate crisis mostly emerge following extreme weather events, referred to as acute events, and the resulting floods, hurricanes and fires. In the literature, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are cited as the most common mental health problems following extreme weather events. Accordingly, 20-30 per cent of those exposed to hurricanes and floods develop depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Subacute or long-term climate-related changes last for months or years and include events such as droughts and prolonged heat waves. Heat stress caused by fires and heat waves can also lead to mood disorders, aggression, physical and psychological fatigue and anxiety. In a study conducted in the United States, when average temperatures exceeded 30°C, mental health problems increased by 0.5 per cent compared to averages between 25°C and 30°C. The same study found a 2 per cent increase in mental health problems for every 1°C increase in five-year warming. In another study, a 1°C increase in monthly average temperatures over several decades was found to be associated with a 2.1 per cent increase in suicide rates in Mexico and a 0.7 per cent increase in the United States. Indirect effects of the climate crisis include economic losses, displacement and forced migration, competition over scarce resources and violence. Prolonged and severe droughts, deforestation, glacier retreat, disappearing rivers, desertification, water scarcity, increased infectious diseases and loss of biomass affect communities' living areas and daily lives while leading to the loss of livelihoods and income sources, economic crises, and loss of homes and social networks. All these changes, the devastation, loss and displacement experienced can lead to a range of mental health problems in individuals, from feelings of anxiety and hopelessness to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. The direct and indirect effects of the climate crisis can also prevent access to healthcare services and render social support systems inoperative, leading to the exacerbation of existing mental illnesses.

83 per cent of population concerned about climate change

Globally, concern about climate change is growing among young people. According to the results of a survey conducted in 10 countries, 84 per cent of young people aged 16 to 25 state that they are at least moderately concerned about climate change, while nearly half (45 per cent) say their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily lives.

According to Konda's latest research, 83 per cent of Turkey's population is concerned about climate change

Reducing energy consumption based on fossil fuels and using energy obtained from renewable energy sources, stopping destruction that reduces green areas, and making plans such as reducing carbon footprint stand out as some of the measures that need to be taken to prevent climate change, global warming and its effects. Health experts in Turkey also note that existing information about the effects of climate change on mental health is sufficient to prompt action, and emphasize the need for a holistic approach to preventing and coping with mental health problems caused by the climate crisis.