Understanding the impact of climate change on mental health

Module overview

Emerging evidence shows that the consequences of climate change extend far beyond ecological systems — they also deeply influence mental health and emotional well-being. In this module, you will explore how environmental disruption shapes emotional states, from anxiety and grief to the stress of living in a rapidly changing world. Through real-life case studies, practical tools and current scientific insights, you will learn how to recognise these psychological impacts and develop strategies to build emotional resilience, both for yourself and within your community.

Learning goals

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand how climate change acts as a psychological stressor and why it affects mental well-being.

• Identify the origins and forms of eco-anxiety and environmental emotions such as solastalgia, eco-rage and eco-depression.

• Recognise how climate-related events can produce short-term and long-term psychological effects.

• Understand which groups — including children, young people, the elderly and frontline communities — are most vulnerable.

• Learn trauma-informed and resilience-based approaches relevant to clinical and community settings.

• Explore evidence-based strategies for emotional support, prevention and recovery.

• Promote sustainable and integrated approaches to mental well-being while adapting to climate realities.

What you will be able to do

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the psychological consequences of climate change in a clear and evidence-based way.

• Identify signs of eco-anxiety, climate trauma and ecological grief.

• Recognise which populations are at higher risk and adjust your support accordingly.

• Use practical tools for assessment, early identification and prevention.

• Guide individuals or groups through climate conversations that nurture hope, resilience and constructive action.

• Support others in planning climate-related actions that are emotionally sustainable and community-oriented.

• Contribute to collective strategies that strengthen both mental health and environmental agency.