the environment and, consequently, for human health. Mental health has emerged as a critical area of

concern, since extreme weather events such as natural disasters, droughts and oods directly impact

the psychological well-being of vulnerable populations. This study aims to analyze how climate change

inuences mental health, focusing on the psychological effects these changes have on communities in

situations of vulnerability. The aim of this analysis is to explore how climate change impacts the mental

health of vulnerable populations, discussing the main risk factors involved and addressing strategies

“climate change”, “mental health”, “psychological impacts” and “solastalgia” were used, with a time

frame between 2007 and 2020. The methodology adopted for this analysis consists of a comprehensive

study addresses how extreme weather events, food insecurity and forced displacement affect mental

health, leading to an increase in disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

(PTSD). In addition, the social inequalities that aggravate these impacts are discussed, considering

that populations with less access to health resources and services are more susceptible to the adverse

effects of climate change. It is concluded that climate change poses a signicant threat to mental health,

especially for vulnerable populations already facing socio-economic challenges. It is essential that public

those in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability. Studies indicate that these populations are the most

susceptible to the psychological impacts of climate change, due to factors such as limited adaptive

capacity and prolonged exposure to environmental disasters. This scenario has several consequences

some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Berry et al., 2018).

In addition to the direct repercussions caused by climate disasters, the indirect effects of

climate change also impact psychological well-being. Food insecurity, loss of housing, and forced

affected populations (Hayes et al., 2018).

As a result, people living in rural and coastal areas, especially in developing countries, are

populations in an even more vulnerable situation (Doherty and Clayton, 2011).

Therefore, the relationship between mental health and climate change also involves the indirect

and promoting a more effective response to climate crises.

and chronic effects, such as food and economic insecurity generated by environmental degradation,

which affect mental health cumulatively and prolongedly. Research suggests that the psychological impact

of climate change is particularly relevant for rural and coastal communities, which rely heavily on the

natural environment for livelihoods and income. In these populations, the perception of environmental

instability contributes to the loss of identity and connection with the land, generating a situation called

“eco-anxiety”, characterized by constant concern with the future of the planet (Albrecht et al., 2007).

In addition, studies show that certain groups, such as the elderly, children, and people in

situations of socioeconomic vulnerability, are more likely to develop mental health problems in response

future for communities globally exposed to this phenomenon (Swim et al., 2010).

The objective of this analysis is to explore how climate change impacts the mental health

of vulnerable populations, discussing the main risk factors involved and addressing strategies that

can be adopted to minimize these effects. Such a discussion is relevant, because by recognizing the

emotional consequences of the climate crisis, a basis is created for the development of public health

practices and psychosocial approaches that promote resilience and adaptation. With attention focused

on the psychological impact of climate change, it is intended to contribute to a more comprehensive and

inclusive response to the challenges of a changing world.

This is a literature review, based on a qualitative approach, using the Scielo, Google Scholar,

and PubMed databases. To improve the research, the health descriptors “climate change”, “mental

health”, “psychological impacts”, and “solastalgia” were used, with a time frame between the years

2007 and 2020.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Articles published between 2007 and 2020.

3. Publications in non-indexed journals or with a low impact factor.

4. Reviews that do not consider the impact of climate change on psychological well-being.

What are the impacts of climate change on mental health, and what are the health policy

Boolean Markers:

“climate change” AND “mental health”.

individuals who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods (Berry et al., 2018).

In addition to direct stressors, climate change contributes to social and economic problems, such

as food insecurity and forced migrations. Food insecurity, resulting from environmental degradation,

is strongly associated with mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders. In an

analysis carried out, it was observed that vulnerable populations, such as farmers and rural workers,

are especially impacted, since their lives and well-being are closely linked to environmental conditions

(Mastrorillo et al., 2016).

Furthermore, it is emphasized that the ‘’eco-anxiety’’, developed by children, characterized

by constant concern with the future of the planet and its consequences, can affect the emotional

community resilience are essential to mitigate psychological impacts (Bennett et al., 2016). Capacity

building and awareness programs can help communities develop strategies to cope with and adapt to

climate change, thereby promoting mental health.

In addition, public policies that integrate mental health and adaptation to climate change

are necessary. Training mental health professionals on the effects of climate change can improve

(Reid et al., 2019). Ongoing research on the relationship between climate change and mental health is

vital to inform practices and policies that can mitigate these effects, ensuring a holistic and effective

prepare for extreme weather events, thereby minimizing mental health impacts (Mastrorillo et al., 2016).

Therefore, it is essential that mental health professionals are trained to understand the

implications of climate change on psychological health. They suggest that training professionals at the

intersection of mental health and climate change can improve the quality of care provided and ensure

that interventions are culturally appropriate and accessible. Ongoing research on the interrelationship

between mental health and climate change is critical to inform practices and policies that can mitigate

these effects, promoting a holistic and effective approach (Swim et al., 2010).

In short, the impact of climate change on mental health is a multifaceted phenomenon that

requires an integrated and comprehensive response. Understanding the complex interactions between

and promote resilience in the face of an uncertain future (Hayes et al., 2018).

The analysis of the impacts of climate change on mental health reveals a complex and

worrying relationship, especially in vulnerable populations. The direct and indirect effects of these

changes, which manifest themselves through extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and

socioeconomic uncertainty, have generated a signicant increase in mental health problems, such as

are those already facing socioeconomic challenges, including children, the elderly, and low-income

communities, who often lack access to adequate mental health resources.

The evidence presented throughout this work indicates the urgent need for policies and

interventions that address not only the physical impacts of climate change, but also its psychological

Finally, this work underscores the importance of continuing research in this area, exploring the

dynamic relationship between climate change and mental health. Only then will it be possible to develop

all. The urgency of action in this sphere is indisputable, given the rapid pace of climate change and its

increasingly visible impacts on global public health.

BERRY, H. L., WAITE, T. D., DEAR, K. B., CAPON, A. G., & MURRAY, V. (2018). The case for

systems thinking about climate change and mental health. Nature Climate Change, 8(4), 282-290.

CIANCONI, P., BETRÒ, S., & JANIRI, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on mental health: A

systematic descriptive review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 74.

MASTRORILLO, M., et al. (2016). The relationship between food security and mental health: A