Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Psychiatrists Say Strong Leadership On Climate Vital To Mental Health

Psychiatrists are warning inaction on climate change by political leaders is harming people’s mental health, in particular young people.

It’s one of several links between climate change and mental health being discussed at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) annual Congress in Sydney from 16 to 19 May.

RANZCP President, Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, said climate change was the biggest health challenge of the 21st Century.

“As psychiatrists we’re seeing a marked increase in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in people whose lives and livelihoods are being threatened by severe weather events like floods, bushfires, heatwaves and droughts,” Associate Professor Lakra said.

Sydney child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Cybele Dey, who will present at the conference, said more than three in four young people are worried about climate change, but strong leadership and action on climate can help.

“Many kids today feel betrayed by our leaders, but there is clear medical research that shows that when they see leaders take meaningful action on climate change, their mental health improves,” Dr Dey said.

“There are also proven mental health benefits to connecting with others who share your concerns and taking personal action based on your values, for example planting trees or climate activism.

“At the same time, individual action alone is not enough. Good mental health is linked to having a realistic hope that governments will do what scientists recommend and reduce fossil fuel emissions this decade to prevent global warming of more than 1.5°C.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

It’s a message Climate Council founder Professor Tim Flannery will also deliver in his keynote address at the conference on Tuesday.

“Maintaining our mental health in the face of the climate crisis is essential. Without good mental health, our efforts will themselves not be sustainable,” Professor Flannery said.

Together with other medical colleges, the RANZCP has been calling on the government to commit to a national climate and health strategy, fund its implementation and invest more in research on how to safeguard people's health in the face of climate threats.

“As the climate crisis worsens, the medical and scientific evidence shows the health impacts – including for people’s mental health – will only get worse,” Associate Professor Lakra said.

“Whichever party forms government must take action to address climate change and create a plan for supporting the mental health of Australians in the face of climate threats.”

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.