Climate change and mental health: impact on people with disabilities
Mental Health and Social Inclusion
ISSN: 2042-8308
Article publication date: 6 December 2023
Issue publication date: 3 December 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine why people with disabilities (PWDs) are at risk due to climate change. It also discusses the linkage between climate change events and the mental health of the disabled population.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper follows a qualitative approach.
Findings
Climate change can affect the mental well-being of PWDs in several ways such as increased vulnerability, displacement-related trauma, social isolation, loss of independence, climate anxiety and eco-grief.
Practical implications
The paper has practical implications for policymakers. Because climate change has a disproportionate impact on PWDs, there is an urgent need to include them in climate action, both as beneficiaries and decision-makers.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to explore the measures that can be taken for prevention and mitigation of impacts on the mental health of PWDs.
Keywords
Citation
Vig, S. and Dwivedi, S. (2024), "Climate change and mental health: impact on people with disabilities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 941-949. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2023-0121
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited