Strategies to Increase Mental Health Professionals’ Response to and Engagement with the Climate Crisis

Abstract

There is growing involvement from mental health experts in addressing the climate crisis. Key international organizations like the IPCC and WHO have brought to attention how significant and grave the mental health issues are that arise from the climate crisis. Experts from countries like the US and the UK have proposed strategies for coping with these challenges. Psychologists and psychiatrists cognizant of the psychopathological implications of climate change have called for increased awareness, education, public relations campaigns, and action. In addition, plans have been proposed and implemented within medical communities to reduce carbon emissions, manage care settings in an eco-friendly way, and enhance the workforce of climate-aware therapists. It is time for Korea to proactively develop strategies for engaging mental health professionals in addressing the mental health issues related to climate change.