Factors Influencing the Mental Health Consequences of Climate Change in Canada

Katie Hayes, Peter Berry and Kristie L. Ebi
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Katie Hayes: Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
Peter Berry: Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7, Canada
Kristie L. Ebi: Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Climate change is increasing risks to the mental health of Canadians. Impacts from a changing climate may outstrip the ability of Canadians and their health-sustaining institutions to adapt effectively and could increase poor mental health outcomes, particularly amongst those most marginalized in society. A scoping review of literature published during 2000–2017 explored risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities related to climate change and mental health. In this commentary, the authors present a new assessment of evidence from this scoping review and highlight factors that influence the capacity to adapt to the mental health consequences of a changing climate. Findings from this assessment reveal eleven key factors that influence the capacity to adapt: social capital; sense of community; government assistance; access to resources; community preparedness; intersectoral/transdisciplinary collaboration; vulnerability and adaptation assessments; communication and outreach; mental health literacy; and culturally relevant resources. Attention to these factors by Canadian decision makers can support proactive and effective management of the mental health consequences of climate change.

Keywords: climate change; mental health; adaptation; extreme weather; adaptive capacity; marginalized populations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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