The Psychological Impacts of Climate Change: What Can We do? By Dr. Kim A. Dawson, R.Psych

Though people are always up for debate on anything they might disagree with, climate change is upon us. 

As summer heats up, top of mind for most people is wildfires, one of the most worrisome threats accompanying climate change. The Canadian Climate Institute has data showing wildfires are growing more intense and are happening more often, due mainly to the burning of fossil fuels. I found it frightening to learn that Canada is warming twice as fast as the global average.

Locally, in Victoria, BC, though the Air Quality Health Index indicates low risk over the past couple of days, I don’t expect it to stay that way. Based on documented climate change, whether it’s this summer or next, it’s realistic to expect not only more intense and frequent fires, but air quality is likely to worsen as well. Health effects of smoke pollution may include coughing, headaches, shortness of breath, stroke, heart attack, and premature death. These health effects have already impacted millions of people directly and costs range in the billions, impacting everyone’s cost of living. 

Why is mitigating the problem so difficult? In the past, the convenience of continuing to use fossil fuels may have outweighed the need to shift to cleaner energy. But the tables are turning.

The more large-scale problems like fire and smoke impact our wellbeing personally, the more worries, sadness, isolation, and helplessness emerge as large-scale mental health concerns in entire communities, cities, and countries. Why, the entire planet is impacted! 

When we realize we are participating in a global ecological system in crisis, the intensity of distress can accumulate into angst, now known as eco-anxiety. There is also ecological grief about the damage we humans continue to do to our dear planet. Whether or not this constellation of difficulties can escalate into full-blown diagnosable clinical problems, the crisis situation demands an immediate response. 

What can we do? Every day, make a decision to do something that values nature. As summer fires are top of mind these days, I am certain I’m not the only BC Psychologist noticing increases in eco-anxiety and eco-grief among our clientele. 

Here are a few tips to share with clients. Make efforts to care for yourself and those you love. Call on loved ones to brainstorm ways to support each other. Make yourself aware of emergency preparation guidelines.

Here are some more ideas of what YOU CAN DO in the face of the climate crisis:

• By practicing deep breathing and meditation, you can increase your sense of calm and clarity, improving your wellbeing. 
• By asking yourself what makes life meaningful, you can build your sense of purpose. 
• By appreciating life’s beauty, loving your pets, and taking nature walks, you can grow your relationship with nature. 
• By joining a community group acting creatively to reduce global warming, you can feel more connected. 
• Even though whatever you do may seem small, you can make a big difference.

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The Author: 

www.dawsonpsychologicalservices.com