Rising temperatures may have far-reaching consequences beyond our physical health, potentially exacerbating mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) like schizophrenia and depression by up to 50 per cent by 2050. A groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, has shed light on the urgent need to address the looming threat to mental well-being.

Disproportionate Impact on Young People

Young people aged 15 to 44 are disproportionately affected, with most losses linked to poor mental health. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.

• Higher temperatures contribute to an annual loss of 8,458 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), representing 1.8 per cent of the total MBD burden in Australia.
• Warmer regions, closer to the equator, face higher risks.

Global Significance of MBDs

Mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs) encompass a broad spectrum of symptoms associated with distress or impairment in important functional areas, including emotional regulation, cognition, or behaviour, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, alcohol, drug use, and other mental and substance use disorders. The study’s findings underscore the critical role of policymakers in developing focused public health interventions to mitigate the emergence of mental health impacts of climate change.

Call to Action

The researchers emphasize the need for immediate action, including:

• Heat-health action plans to prepare healthcare systems for rising mental health needs.
• Localised solutions, like community programmes and green spaces, to build resilience and support for vulnerable groups.
• Ensuring those most at risk receive care during hot periods.

“From mild distress to serious conditions like schizophrenia, rising temperatures are making things harder for millions,” said lead author Professor Peng Bi. “The detrimental impacts of climate change on good mental health and emotional states have been increasingly recognised worldwide, and it’s only going to get worse unless we act,” added Professor Bi.

The study’s authors, including Professor Bi and first author Dr. Jingwen Liu, call for policymakers to prioritize the development of public health interventions that address the growing mental health needs associated with climate change.

“Our findings show that climate change will drive up mental health challenges beyond what population growth alone would cause,” said Dr. Liu. “These results underscore the crucial role of policymakers in developing focused public health interventions to minimise the emergence of mental health impacts of climate change, given its significant human, social and financial consequences,” said Professor Bi.

As the world grapples with the consequences of rising temperatures, it is essential to acknowledge the intricate relationship between climate change and mental health.