What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. While these shifts can occur naturally, human activities have been the primary driver since the 1800s. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas generates greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming.
How Does Climate Change Affect Mental Health?
Climate change not only impacts our environment but also our mental health in several ways:
– Extreme Weather Events: Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can cause psychological distress and trauma.
– Rising Temperatures: Higher temperatures are linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
– Air Pollution: Exacerbated by climate change, air pollution can have detrimental effects on mental health.
– New Mental Health Terms: Climate anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia describe the mental health effects of climate change.
– Displacement: Changes in climate may force people to migrate, leading to stress and adjustment disorders.
Five Ways to Reduce Climate Change
- Save Energy at Home:
– Reduce heating and cooling use.
– Switch to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances.
– Wash laundry with cold water and air-dry clothes.
- Walk or Bicycle:
– Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by walking or biking instead of driving. This also improves your health and fitness.
- Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle:
– Buy fewer items, shop second-hand, and repair what you can to reduce carbon emissions from production and transportation.
- Eat More Vegetables:
– Consume more plant-based foods, which have a lower environmental impact compared to meat and dairy.
- Throw Away Less Food:
– Reduce food waste by buying only what you need, using leftovers, and composting. This minimises methane emissions from landfills.
By understanding the impact of climate change and taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we can protect both the planet and our mental health.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions
https://wellcome.org/news/explained-how-climate-change-affects-mental-health