Journal of Psychiatry

Climate change, biodiversity loss and Mental Health

Annual World Congress on Psychiatry

February 16-17, 2023 | Webinar

Paolo Cianconi

Department Mental Health, Italy

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Climate change has multiple dimensions and is evident in the forms of different types of phenomena. Each has its impact on societies. Extreme weather events are more noticeable due to the disasters they cause. However, there are also environmental changes that involve longer periods of time. It includes phenomena such as a warmer ocean and atmosphere, sea level rise, ocean acidification, ecosystem changes and land and freshwater alterations, biodiversity loss. These "creeping changes" are far more worrisome and dangerous than to the extreme weather events we see now. The central problem with respect to climate change seems to be the positioning of species and civilizations in a psychological condition of systemic insecurity. Uncertainty can be before (pre-trauma symptoms) or after the events (post-traumatic stress). In the case of events that develop progressively, uncertainty assumes the value dimension of an existential restlessness of a loss of meaning and hope. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes/floods, and environmental changes, including biodiversity loss, have been linked to a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Regarding to biodiversity loss the destruction and damage of ecosystems can cause mental distress due to lack of experience of nature and emotional responses related to awareness of these changes, including syndromes called "psychoterratic" (climate anxiety, ecological grief, mourning, solastalgia). These are surely detrimental to mental health, especially in young people. Studies investigating the interrelationship between biodiversity and mental health reveal a complex landscape of scientific evidence, calling for a better understanding of this challenging issue. Those who help need to know the dimensions and characteristics of these anxieties and losses in order to develop strategies to address the impacts on mental health.

Biography :

Paolo Cianconi, psychiatrist, anthropologist, phd in neuroscience.Has been working in the mental health department of Rome1 for 20 years. He deals with issues related to social psychiatry, minorities, refugees and native populations. He has visited many places in the world where communities characterized by social disadvantage and poverty live.A specific scientific research interest are the study of the effects of climate change on mental health.