Extreme Weather, Vulnerable Populations, and Mental Health: The Timely Role of AI Interventions

Mehak Batra and Bircan Erbas ()
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Mehak Batra: Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
Bircan Erbas: Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: Environmental disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations who face compounded risks due to intersectional factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, rural residence, and cultural identity. These events exacerbate mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and underserved areas of high-income countries (HICs). Addressing these disparities necessitates inclusive, culturally competent, intersectional, and cost-effective strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents transformative potential for delivering scalable and culturally tailored mental health interventions that account for these vulnerabilities. This perspective highlights the importance of co-designing AI tools with at-risk populations, integrating these solutions into disaster management frameworks, and ensuring their sustainability through research, training, and policy support. By embedding mental health resilience into climate adaptation strategies, stakeholders can foster equitable recovery and reduce the long-term mental health burden of environmental disasters.

Keywords: environmental disasters; mental health; climate change; artificial intelligence; intersectionality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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