Mental health and climate change in Africa

Abstract

It is now widely acknowledged that low- and middle-income countries in Africa are among global hotspots for high vulnerability to climate change, despite making comparatively low contributions to this phenomenon. Climate change has been shown to affect mental health as a result of disruption of social and economic structures that populations depend on for good health, including mental health. After decades of neglect, recent efforts by governments such as in Kenya to address the twin issues of climate change and mental health demonstrate the growing importance of these issues. Here we briefly review the evidence of climate change impacts on mental health in Africa and demonstrate that there is need for more contextual awareness and research in this area in Africa to mitigate or forestall potential mental health crises in the near future. We recommend systematic efforts to support funding for research and interventions at the nexus between climate change and mental health in Africa, and urge institutions and governments in Africa to begin paying attention to this emerging threat to the health of African populations.

COP27 Climate Change Conference: urgent action needed for Africa and the world

“…According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, malnutrition has increased by almost 50% since 2012, owing to the central role agriculture plays in African economies (Climate change is an increasing threat to Africa, 2020). Environmental shocks and their knock‐on effects also cause severe harm to mental health (Atwoli et al, 2022). In all, it is estimated that the climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks (Vulnerable Twenty Group, 2020).…”

COP27 Climate Change Conference: urgent action needed for Africa and the world

“…According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, malnutrition has increased by almost 50% since 2012, owing to the central role agriculture plays in African economies [ 11 ]. Environmental shocks and their knock-on effects also cause severe harm to mental health [ 12 ]. In all, it is estimated that the climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks [ 13 ].…”

COP27 Climate Change Conference: urgent action needed for Africa and the world

“…11 Environmental shocks and their knock-on effects also cause severe harm to mental health. 12 In all, it is estimated that the climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks. 13…”