The agency said climate change poses serious risks to people’s mental health and well-being, concurring with a report released in February by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. climate change (IPCC), the United Nations agency that provides governments with scientific information to inform their climate policies.
IPCC research reveals that rapidly increasing climate change is a growing threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being, from emotional suffering arrive worry, Depression, sadnessand suicidal behavior.
Increased support
“The impacts of climate change are increasingly part of our daily lives, and there is little dedicated mental health support available to people and communities coping with the dangers of climate change. climate-related and long-term risks,” speakDr. Maria Neira, Director of WHODepartment of Environment, Climate Change and Health.
The mental health impacts of climate change are unevenly distributed, withertain groups are disproportionately affected depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, sex and age, according to brief.
However, WHO says it is clear that climate change affects many social determinants that have already led to a large global burden of mental health. Over 95 countries surveyed last yearonly 9 cases included mental health and psychosocial support in their national health and climate change plans.
Protect those at risk
“The impacts of climate change are intensifying an already extremely challenging situation for mental health and mental health services globally. Have nearly a billion people live with a mental health conditionbut in low- and middle-income countries, three-quarters of people do not have access to essential services,” said Dévora Kestel, Director of the WHO Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
“By increasing mental health and psychosocial support in climate and disaster risk reduction action, countries can do more to help protect those most at risk“She added.
The policy brief recommends five key approaches for governments to address the mental health impacts of climate change, as well as examples of countries working on addressing the issue. this topic.
Prioritize mental health
WHO calls on governments to integrate climate considerations with mental health programmes, merge mental health support with climate action, and build on their global commitments.
Authorities should also develop community-based approaches to reduce vulnerabilities and close the large funding gaps that currently exist for mental health and psychosocial support. .
“WHO Member States have made it clear that mental health is a top priority for them. We are working closely with countries to protect people’s physical and mental health from climate threats,” said Dr. Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, WHO climate team leader. is the lead author of the IPCC said.
Guide
Among the pioneer countries cited in the report is the Philippines, which rebuilt and improved mental health services in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, believed to be one of the cyclones. strongest tropics ever recorded.
India has also scaled up disaster risk reduction, while preparing cities to respond to climate risks and address mental health and psychosocial needs.
The WHO Policy Brief was issued on the last day of Stockholm Summit50th anniversary day United Nations conference on human environment The first world conference to make the environment a major issue.
In his address opening on Thursday, the UN Secretary General António Guterrescalls on all nations to do more to protect the fundamental human right to a clean, healthy environment for all.
