Global Climate Change, Mental Health, and Socio-Economic Stressors: Toward Sustainable Interventions across Regions

Peng Nie, Ke Zhao, Dawei Ma (), Huo Liu, Saqib Amin and Iftikhar Yasin ()
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Peng Nie: School of Economics and Statistics, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Ke Zhao: Hubei Academy of Scientific and Technical Information, Wuhan 430071, China
Dawei Ma: School of Management, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Huo Liu: School of Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 102400, China
Saqib Amin: Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Oulu Business School, University of Oulu, 90100 Oulu, Finland
Iftikhar Yasin: School of Business, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-26

Abstract: Global climate change’s pervasive impacts extend beyond the environment, significantly affecting mental health across diverse regions. This study offers a comprehensive multi-regional analysis spanning Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, addressing three critical gaps in existing research: (i) the necessity of a global scope given climate change’s widespread impact, (ii) the under-researched mental health dimension compared to general health effects, and (iii) the integration of climate and mental health data. Using data from 1970 to 2020, we found a strong correlation between climate change and rising mental disorders globally. Regional patterns emerged, with Asia, Africa, and Oceania showing broader associations with various mental health issues, while Europe and the Americas saw increases in anxiety and depression. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, mental health, and sustainability. By addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can identify sustainable solutions that promote both environmental well-being and human well-being. Our findings highlight the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change’s mental health effects and provide insights for tailored interventions and public health strategies. Additionally, socio-economic factors like unemployment, urbanisation, GDP growth, and globalisation are incorporated to explore the intricate interplay between climate change, mental health, and societal contexts, offering a clearer understanding of the mechanisms at play.

Keywords: climate change; temperature; greenhouse gases; sustainability; mental health; mental disorder; unemployment; urbanisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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