Citation

Liu J, Potter T, Zahner S. Nurs. Outlook 2020; 68(4): 517-522.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.003

PMID

32896304

PMCID

PMC7473709

Abstract

Climate change has a significant global impact on individuals' mental health and well-being. However, global health systems are inadequately prepared to address this issue. Studies indicate that climate events such as floods, droughts, tornados, earthquakes, and fires not only exacerbate chronic mental illness, but also impact well-being causing anxiety, stress, and in the worst case, suicide. The World Health Organization estimates that 12.6 million preventable deaths per year can be attributed to environmental factors, all of which are exacerbated by climate change, and an additional 250,000 deaths per year are projected between 2030 and 2050. Nurses must advocate for research, education, and policies that support disaster-resilient infrastructure and human services that allow communities across the globe to effectively mitigate the impact of climate change on human health.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Climate Change; Environmental Policy; Female; Health Promotion; Health Status; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Nurse's Role; Nursing Staff; Stress, Psychological; United States