But This Is Not New: Climate Change and Global Mental Health

Abstract

This chapters aims is to demonstrate the significant impact climate change has on health and in particular mental health. The chapter argues climate change is not just an important challenge today, but that it is the single most important health challenge. Perhaps even more so than Covid-19. Climate change impact is universal, no matter age, environment one lives in (urban and rural), whether one lives in low-, middle-, or high-income countries, everyone is impacted in one way or another. There is no immunity, and no vaccination(s) to offer any protection from climate change. The chapter demonstrates that this is not new, but that the impact of climate change has worsened noticeably over the last 50 years. It also visits the sustainable development goals, specifically Goal 13, and contextualizes how climate change is impacting on mental health globally. The consequences of climate change, in relation to global mental health, are considered, as is the acknowledgment this is a major global challenge. In addition, the chapter also explores the approach championed by organizations such as the WHO, UN, and governments and the influence of the Western medical model on these organizations to address global mental health issues. The chapter additionally acknowledges that this is not new and questions whether what has been done, to date, has had any real and positive impact globally and whether what has and continues to be supported by the WHO/UN and governments will actually improve this going forward. Additionally, the need for further and relevant research into the impact of climate change on mental health and into what might be better, less costly and more effective means of supporting global and local communities, is considered. Finally, the chapter suggests how, by adapting and building resilience, communities can transform collaboratively and achieve sustainable mental health. The chapter offers the ARTS framework (albeit in an early stage of development) as an alternative approach to bring about positive change in and towards mental health globally.