UK Health Security Agency | The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health

The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health

The Climate change and mental health: thematic assessment report 2025 highlights several pathways regarding the negative impacts of adverse weather and climate-related events on mental health and wellbeing for the UK. Evidence suggests climate change intensifies vulnerability, contributing to both social and economic determinants with certain populations disproportionally affected (including low-income communities, rural populations and those with limited access to healthcare).

The report identifies that children and young people may be particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of adverse weather events. Similarly, individuals with pre-existing health difficulties – especially those already managing existing mental health conditions – also face heightened risks.

Evidence shows that the mental health impacts of climate change can be long-lasting and, in some cases, persist for several years after an adverse weather event. Protective pathways include fostering environmental action and engagement, which may help buffer negative impacts and build mental resilience in a changing climate.

The report also presents evidence of interventions that can safeguard population health from climate-related hazards. Examples include:

individual and community resilience: Strengthening preparedness for adverse weather through psychological interventions, community action and raising awareness.
population-level interventions: Tackling vulnerabilities and addressing pre-existing inequalities with digital, clinical, and psychosocial support, delivered both in person and remotely.

Each thematic chapter outlines key pathways and interventions, identifies current gaps in evidence and links to relevant case studies. An additional summary for policymakers provides a high-level overview of findings and considerations for further research and practice.