Addressing mental and emotional health impacts of climate change

CLIMATE change has become a lived reality for countries and communities around the world.

- By Dennis Mombauer

As climate impacts reshape ecosystems, economies, and societies, discussions and interventions often focus on the direct physical impacts, such as those from extreme weather events, temperature increase, or sea level rise. However, the mental, emotional, and psychosocial dimensions of climate change should not go unrecognised or unaddressed.

To avoid these silent forms of non-economic loss and damage, it is important to find evidence-based solutions and incorporate them into policies, plans, and the implementation of climate action.

Ground realities

Climate change can cause or exacerbate mental health challenges in direct or indirect ways. Sri Lanka is vulnerable to a range of climate impacts that include extreme weather events—such as cyclones, floods, or droughts—as well as mediumto long-term consequences including crop failures, loss of livelihoods, or ecosystem degradation. Furthermore, climate-related impacts such as migration or disaster displacement can themselves cause psychological trauma, anxiety, fractured social networks, feelings of helplessness, grief, or fear.

Emerging concepts like solastalgia—distress from environmental degradation—and eco-anxiety—the fear of ecological collapse—are increasingly documented, particularly among youth and frontline communities. Globally, studies show that many disaster survivors develop PTSD, and heatwaves can correlate with spikes in suicide rates or conflict. Substance abuse or stress-related physical health problems, such as sleep disorders or weakened immune systems, can further heighten vulnerabilities or contribute to the challenges of those who are already affected.