Climate change and mental health and wellbeing: Reflections from a health geography lens

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the importance of research into the effects of climate change on mental health and wellbeing. This paper provides an overview of the pathways through which climate change can affect mental health and wellbeing, highlighting the valuable contribution that health geography can make in this field of study. Given expertise in spatial processes, human-environment interactions, and diverse research methods, health geographers are well-equipped to enhance our understanding of the connection between climate change and mental health and wellbeing. The paper proposes two key areas of future focus: (1) exploring the reciprocal relationships between mental health and place, and (2) integrating knowledge from health geography and environmental sustainability. Health geography can play a critical role in developing knowledge to support mitigation strategies and promote mental health and wellbeing in the face of climate change.