Mental health, well-being and climate change: Scope and challenges

Climate change (CC) manifests itself through extreme weather conditions and is gaining more and more attention from the scientific community and
civil society, considering the social implications in various domains of daily life.
Undeniable social, economic and environmental consequences have been disclosed
worldwide, in addition to the significant psychosocial impacts that the resulting
weather events pose to mental health and well-being of people. Post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), vicarious trauma, anxiety, substance abuse, depression, survivor
guilt, recovery fatigue, and suicidal ideation, are some of the mental health problems
linked with the occurrence of catastrophic weather events. Other threats involve financial and relationship stress and the consequent potentiation of the risks of violence, in
particular gender-based violence (GBV) and aggression, disproportionately affecting
those who are most marginalized. Paradoxically, and in response to CC, the research
shows that these same circumstances may also inspire individuals to more positive
and adaptive behaviours, such as altruism, optimism and compassion, promoting a
life meaning and individual development, motivated by CC post-traumatic growth.
Based on an expert-driven literature review, this chapter intends to assess and discuss
the relevant literature describing how CC impacts on the mental health and well-being of individuals and societies, as well as the hazards associated with increasing problems of violence and aggression. Likewise, it also aims to analyse and discuss specific responses to the CC that can contribute to positive changes in learning, growth and behaviour throughout life. The promotion of pro-environmental behaviour through
education is considered as an important strategy in this context.
FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (UIDB/PSI/01662/2020)