Exploring the nexus: climate change, poverty, and mental health

This review underscores the need for integrated, equity-centred climate and mental health policies, cross-sectoral collaboration, and stronger health system resilience to mitigate the cascading risks of climate change and poverty. Climate change, poverty, and mental health are intricately linked, with each reinforcing the other. Those living in poverty are disproportionately affected by climate change because of their limited resources for adapting to environmental shifts. This vulnerability can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges among adolescents. Financial hardship often restricts access to mental healthcare, exacerbating existing issues. Poor mental health can impede individuals from maintaining employment or education, potentially perpetuating their poverty.

Merely being aware of the climate crisis on an abstract level can evoke strong negative emotions, potentially leading to mental health problems, even among those not directly experiencing the tangible effects of climate change. In summary, tackling the intricate relationship between climate change, poverty, and mental health requires a comprehensive strategy. This strategy should encompass support for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, address the root causes of collective violence and mental health disorders, and advocate for social and economic equity.