Climate Change and Mental Health
The headlines in the media around the world have been striking and bleak with regards to climate change. In Europe, news outlets have been reporting extreme heat with record-breaking highs as the government has urged individuals to stay home and be safe. However, people’s home may not always be the safest place. For instance, it has been estimated that only around five percent of people in the U.K. have an air conditioning unit. Furthermore, due to the rare occurrence of such high temperatures, the country’s infrastructure and travel capabilities has been impacted due to the hazardous conditions. In the United States (and around the world), extreme heat caused by climate change is expected to become more frequent, common, and severe.
In addition to extreme heat, due to human-caused global warming, the world is seeing more disrupting occurrences of severe weather and storms, rise in sea levels, air pollution, droughts, and shrinking of glaciers (to name a few). Unfortunately, displacement of homes and livelihood are also an important consequence of these changes and often disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) folks. For individuals with lower access to resources, healthcare, food insecurity and lower incomes, climate-change related consequences can be exacerbated. Decreased food and water supplies are also impacted due to the changing climate.
Climate change is not new and I, for one, have been increasingly concerned about how our earth is going to continue forward presently and for future generations. Even with concerns about the state of our earth, it can feel overwhelming to take in all the devasting news related to climate change. Oftentimes, feeling unsure of how to help and/or possibly feeling desensitized because of all the other world events and tragedies taking place at the same time can make engaging in these discussions stifling. I have often questioned where I should even begin in terms of advocating for change and decreasing my carbon footprint.
Although these feelings may be present at times, I intend to not let it consume my desire to help our earth. Even though the troubles of the world feel big, seemingly small changes in our everyday life can create lasting change for the safety and sustainability of our earth. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish adolescent, is a prime example of finding ways be a source of change for our environment. Regardless of her age, her hope for humanity and persistence in creating change for our future, has truly impacted our society. Other activists and organizations also work hard to promote environmental justice which helps the lives of so many people. Our ability to care for our Earth and those within it will need every one of us to contribute. In other words, our earth needs an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach. Collaboration for the collective good of our earth is necessary. Or as June Jordan famously stated, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”
As such, it is important to be aware and informed about what climate change is, how to help, and what to look out for.
What is climate change? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change is not a particular weather event. Climate change is “a pattern of change in average weather that’s happening over many years.” For example, the increase of severe heat temperatures rising.
How can I stay informed? I recognize that the constant stream of news information can make learning about climate daunting. For information related to climate change, I find it helpful to look at websites such as (but not limited to) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the World Resources Institute (WPI).
How can I help? As mentioned, there are many organizations dedicated towards the betterment of our planet by engaging in environmental justice work. If financially possible, consider donating to organizations such as The Fund for Global Human Rights, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and/or Intersectional Environmentalist. For those who may have the time, other ways to support could also be through community involvement and volunteering. Beyond donations and volunteering, everyday changes in our daily routines can also make a difference. For instance, reducing food waste, being mindful of energy consumption or invest in energy efficient products, shopping sustainably (if accessible), recycle, reduce water waste, and attempt to speak up about climate change and make an intentional choice to help our earth in any way possible.
For more information, here are some organizations and resources to consider:
https://www.intersectionalenvironmentalist.com/
https://globalhumanrights.org/what-we-do/climate-justice/
https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/impacts-climate-change
