Ten reasons why RCPsych is attending COP26

Here are ten reasons why RCPsych is attending COP26 - and why mental health in the UK and globally is connected to the climate emergency.

Climate change is making existing mental health problems worse, causing psychological distress and leading to more people experiencing mental illness.

1. The climate crisis in all its forms is causing psychological distress to millions

Climate change is making existing mental health problems worse, causing psychological distress and leading to more people experiencing mental illness.

2. The climate emergency is causing children and young people distress

Children and young people are experiencing eco-distress as a result of what they’re reading and hearing about climate change. They will bear the greatest effects, and for some, it is affecting their mental health.

3. Floods cause PTSD, depression and anxiety

Flooding is the most common extreme weather event in the UK. Floods are more frequent and damaging than ever due to climate change and have been shown to have a major impact on mental health, with flood victims experiencing PTSD, depression and anxiety. 

4. Air pollution has been linked with several mental health conditions

Long term air pollution has been linked with depression and anxiety. Research has also found a possible link with dementia and higher rates of suicide. 

5. Climate change is causing food insecurity

Climate change’s impact on weather conditions is causing food insecurity. 135m people globally experience food security, causing psychological distress and mental and physical illness. 

6. Hotter temperatures have been linked with higher rates of mental illness

Higher temperatures and heatwaves which are more frequent and severe as a result of climate change - have been shown to be linked with higher levels of mental illness and higher suicide rates. 

7. Droughts cause suffering and mental health problems

Droughts – which are more frequent and severe as a result of climate change – cause mental health problems with women, young people, the elderly and the poor among those worst affected. 

8. Climate change affects the vulnerable most

The vulnerable are worst affected by climate change, in terms of their physical and mental health. Climate change is an issue those of us working in mental health – and the world – needs to treat as an emergency. 

9. Extreme weather conditions disrupt lives leading to mental ill health

Extreme weather conditions are more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change – the job losses and disruption to lives which follows goes hand in hand with an more mental health problems on a global scale. 

10. Nature is vital to our mental wellbeing

A quarter of species of plants and animals are under threat due to climate change. Nature plays an important part in our wellbeing and healthy natural environments are important for our mental health.