Increasingly frequent, unpredictable, intense, and extreme weather events—such as storms, floods, and wildfires—constitute consequences of global climate change, leading to loss of life, destruction of essential infrastructure and property, and potentially resulting in post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and distress among both minors and adults.
The connection between climatic events and mental health has given rise to new terminologies such as eco-anxiety, eco-guilt, ecopsychology, ecological grief, and solastalgia—a neologism combining the Latin word solacium (comfort) and the Greek root -algia (pain). It describes a form of emotional or existential distress arising from the progressive loss of comfort associated with changes in one’s physical environment.
Climate change is linked to higher temperatures—particularly when combined with elevated humidity levels—and to more frequent and severe heatwaves, which are associated with increased psychological distress, self-harm, suicidality, and psychiatric hospitalizations. These phenomena exacerbate pre-existing mental disorders and may reduce the efficacy of psychotropic medications.
Natural disasters can significantly strain or even exhaust already fragile or overburdened mental health systems and services, diminishing access to care and medication. Gradual environmental changes—such as disrupted weather patterns, crop failures, and rising sea levels—can lead to the loss of habitats, food insecurity, and forced displacement.
Three categories of climatic phenomena can be distinguished:
a) Acute and extreme weather events and natural disasters, such as wildfires and floods;
b) Subacute, long-term phenomena, including droughts and heatwaves; and
c) A permanently altered and potentially uninhabitable natural environment.
The psychological consequences may include phobias, sleep disturbances, and substance use disorders, all of which can significantly impair functioning, particularly among minors. Young individuals with pre-existing mental health problems and lacking social support are at heightened risk of experiencing climate-related effects on their mental well-being.
There is an urgent need to implement approaches such as integrating climate change into mental health policies and programs to enhance preparedness and response to the climate crisis; building upon global commitments; developing community-based interventions to reduce vulnerabilities and address the psychosocial consequences of climate change; and closing the major funding gaps that persist in mental health systems—especially in the context of climate-related health impacts.
Priority should be given to vulnerable populations, including children with pre-existing mental health conditions; those living in rural or socially isolated communities who depend directly on the land for survival; and those residing in low- and middle-income countries characterized by significant social and health inequalities, where the capacity to effectively respond to climate threats remains severely limited or nonexistent.
At the population level, mental health resilience must be strengthened through enhanced family and community support, improved awareness of climate change, bolstered primary healthcare services, and reduced social inequalities. Furthermore, environmental activism has been associated with psychological resilience and positive adaptation, though it can also become a source of increased stress—particularly among marginalized youth.
Konstantinos Kouskoukis
Professor of Dermatology – Lawyer
B’ Vice President GDHI
President Hellenic Academy of Thermal Medicine
President World Academy of Chinese & Complimentary Medicine