The climate crisis is a pressing and ongoing emergency that affects everyone on Earth. Its mental health and psychosocial implications are particularly severe in the poorest and most unstable regions where the impact on health and well-being is most acute. As such, addressing these implications is crucial in order to support those most affected by the crisis.
The IFRC PS Centre aims to promote and facilitate mental health and psychosocial well-being globally. Their work focuses on assisting Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in building their capacity to provide mental health and psychosocial support services to those in need. By doing so, they hope to reduce the impact of the climate crisis on mental health and well-being.
In this report, we focus on the climate-related mental health risks identified by National Societies consulted by the IFRC. We highlight population groups at risk and address the implications for the work of IFRC staff and volunteers. We also showcase examples of initiatives from National Societies that demonstrate potential approaches to addressing the mental health and psychosocial challenges that arise from the climate crisis.
