A review of mental health and wellbeing under climate change in small island developing states (SIDS)

Abstract

Small island developing states (SIDS) are often at the forefront of climate change impacts, including those related to health, but information on mental health and wellbeing is typically underreported. To help address this research lacuna, this paper reviews research about mental health and wellbeing under climate change in SIDS. Due to major differences in the literature’s methodologies, results, and analyses, the method is an overview and qualitative evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed publications. The findings show that mental health and wellbeing in the context of climate change have yet to feature prominently and systematically in research covering SIDS. It seems likely that major adverse mental health and wellbeing impacts linked to climate change impacts will affect SIDS peoples. Similar outcomes might also emerge when discussing climate change related situations, scenarios, and responses, irrespective of what has actually happened thus far due to climate change. In the context of inadequate health systems and stigmatisation of mental health diagnoses and treatments, as tends to occur globally, climate change narratives might present an opening for conversations about addressing mental health and wellbeing issues for SIDS.

Reimagining Future Island: The COVID-19 Impacts on Tourism Sector in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Strategies to Moving Forward

“…When it comes to the tourism sector recovery phase, the country with external environmental challenges absolutely needs more time. Kelman et al (2021) address the importance of well-being and mental health for research, policy, and action regarding SIDS. The study shows a strong connection between the climate change narrative and mental health.…”

COP26 Futures We Want - Jamaica Country Profile

“…At temperatures between 33 and 34°C, a worker working at moderate intensity is 50% less able to work than at temperatures below 24°C 101,102,103,104 . There will also be increased incidence of deadly heat 105 , heat stroke 106 , infectious disease 107 , and adverse mental health impacts 108 leading to increased absence from work, greater healthcare burdens, and negative social implications. Increased temperature has also been shown to reduce learning capability 109 , therefore potentially creating additional socioeconomic problems for future generations.…”

“…High temperatures are likely to cause reproductive problems including reduced sperm counts in men, and increased rates of embryo deaths and deformities as a result of heat exposure in pregnant women 166 . There is also a greater risk of malnutrition because of agricultural and fisheries failures and breakdown of import supply chains 167 , higher risk of accidental deaths from extreme events 168 , as well as predicted declines in mental health and overall wellbeing 169 .  There are concerns about future freshwater availability as a result of drought, and also contamination from extreme weather events such as storms, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding 170 .…”

Stories of Loss and Healing: Connecting Non-Economic Losses and Damages with Gendered Wellbeing Erosion in the Asia-Pacific Region

“…al. 2015; Ayeb-Karlsson 2020a, 2020b; Kelman et al 2021). Understanding the root causes of gender vulnerability in relation to speci c natural hazards can help illustrate the ways in which women (and other social groups) are made more vulnerable to climatic stress (Wisner et al 2004;Juran and Trivedi 2015).…”

“…To date, limited number of studies explore climate-induced mental health impacts (Watts et al 2018(Watts et al , 2021; WHO 2018; IPCC 2018; Ayeb-Karlsson 2020a, 2020b; Kelman et al 2021). This includes the literature around 'solastalgia' and the distress people experience as their local environment changes (Adger 2003;Albrecht et al 2007;Tschakert et al 2013;Butler et al, 2014), and studies on 'eco-anxiety, depression and anger' or 'ecological grief and despair' (Willox 2012;Cunsolo and Ellis 2018;Stanley et al 2021).…”