Climate and mental health

Extreme and unpredictable climatic conditions can have significant impacts on health and wellbeing. While attention to date has addressed threats to physical health and safety, mental health and wellbeing can also be seriously affected by climatic conditions and weather events such as extreme heat and cold, bushfires, hurricanes, and floods. With rising concern about both climate and mental health, it is timely to consider the relationship between the two and the possible implications for health professionals. This column focuses on how nurses can take a key role in improving responses to emerging and increasing mental health challenges linked to climate.