Climate Change and Mental Health
A Guide for Governments
Governments face the formidable challenge of communicating the realities of climate change while safeguarding the mental well-being of their citizens. This guide equips policymakers and communication professionals with trauma-informed strategies to address the intersection of climate risk, public anxiety, and mental health. By emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and empathy, the resource outlines methods for crafting messages that inform without inducing undue fear or helplessness. It provides practical insights on tailoring communication to diverse communities, ensuring inclusivity, and balancing transparent information with positive, actionable steps. With a focus on collaboration with mental health experts and ongoing training in sensitive messaging, this guide aims to foster public trust and resilience. Ultimately, it is designed to empower government officials to lead with ethical, informed, and compassionate communication that not only educates but also inspires collective action toward a sustainable and well-prepared society.
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Looking for something a bit shorter?
Check out our pamphlet highlighting your role in facilitating mental health aware climate discussions.
Is your climate policy protecting minds as well as it protects the planet?
Our Mental Health Impact Assessment Checklist helps policymakers quickly evaluate the mental health implications of climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience policies. Designed for diverse governance contexts, this practical checklist ensures that climate action promotes psychological well-being, equity, and community resilience.
Gina Malaba
Contributor
Contributors
Kiffer G. Card, PhD
Contributor
Kaylie Higgs
Contributor
Reviewers
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Alexis Palmer-Fluevog
Contributor
Seerat Waraich
Contributor