Climate change can damage not only the world’s natural resources, but also mental health, according to experts. Climate-related losses, illnesses, injuries, and displacements carry with them a large emotional toll. In Syria and Somalia, recent droughts forced people from rural areas, destabilized governments, and led to trauma from displacement, illness, and violence. Extreme climate and weather events have been linked with increased aggression—more assaults, murders, and suicides. Air pollution—worsened by extreme heat and damp conditions—has been shown to increase mental and neurologic problems and lower cognitive functioning. For some, worrying about future climate disaster leads to what experts are calling “climate depression” or “pre-traumatic stress disorder” – Lise Van Susteren, advisory board member, Center for Health and the Global Environment.

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