#InTheEyesOfMC: It's Party Time (Understanding the Conference of Parties)

Disclaimer 1: It is advisable to read the entire series before jumping into today's article

Disclaimer 2: The rumblings expressed in this article are my own. Feedback is welcome in the comments section or via email: [email protected]

COP29: Uniting Climate Action with Mental Health Advocacy

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11–22, 2024, presents a critical opportunity to address two intertwined global crises: climate change and mental health. As policymakers, scientists, activists, and global leaders gather to evaluate climate progress and negotiate future actions, it is imperative to place mental health at the forefront of discussions, recognizing it as both a consequence of and a contributor to climate resilience.

The Overlooked Intersection of Climate Change and Mental Health

The nexus between climate change and mental health remains underexplored despite its growing relevance. Climate change intensifies extreme weather events, displaces communities, and exacerbates socio-economic disparities, all of which have profound psychological repercussions. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common among individuals and communities affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. For instance, survivors of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in 2019 reported widespread psychological distress alongside physical devastation.

Further compounding the issue, climate anxiety—a chronic fear of environmental doom—has taken root globally, especially among younger generations. The pervasive dread of an uncertain future creates a silent mental health epidemic that undermines social and economic productivity.

Climate-Informed Mental Health Policies: A Necessity

Despite these challenges, mental health is seldom integrated into climate policies. COP29 provides an opportunity to change this trajectory. Governments and stakeholders must advocate for climate-informed mental health frameworks that address the psychosocial impacts of climate change and build community resilience. Policies should encompass:

1. Preparedness and Response: Incorporating mental health services in disaster response plans can mitigate long-term psychological harm. Training mental health professionals to address climate-induced trauma is essential.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Increasing public awareness of the psychological impacts of climate change can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek support.
3. Youth Engagement: Recognizing and addressing eco-anxiety among youth through educational programs, peer-support networks, and counselling can foster hope and resilience.

The Role of Global Advocacy Networks

My involvement in global health advocacy has shown me the power of networks in amplifying marginalized voices. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Youth Council and Women Deliver Women in Global Health have championed inclusive policies. Key examples include Women Deliver's research report on Gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate change (link). On a health workforce lens, the WHO Youth Council recently launched its first Youth Declaration on Creating Healthy Societies, with a range of calls to action informed and developed by young people from around the world and geared towards empowering youth to play a central role in creating healthier and safer societies for all. In addition, the World Medical Association has a resolution on protecting the future generation’s rights that calls on international, national, regional or provincial decision-makers such as politicians, policymakers and judges to recognize the urgency, complexity, and interconnectedness of the essence of the climate crisis action and to take immediate action to protect the rights of future generations for the sake of climate justice. Similarly, COP29 participants can leverage global advocacy to prioritize mental health in climate agendas.

Furthermore, integrating mental health into global frameworks like the Paris Agreement could galvanize action. Mental health adaptation measures, funded through climate finance mechanisms, can support vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable climate resilience.

Community-Led Solutions: A Pathway to Resilience

Communities are often the first responders to climate crises and should be empowered as agents of change. Evidence from projects I’ve been involved in, such as the Africa & European Climate and Health Responders Course, underscores the value of local knowledge. Community-led mental health interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts can yield sustainable outcomes. For example, integrating traditional healing practices with modern therapies has shown promise in addressing various health issues in African contexts.

The Need for Research and Data

The intersection of climate and mental health is a nascent field requiring robust research. Prioritizing longitudinal studies to understand the psychological impacts of climate change across diverse populations is crucial. Such research can guide interventions, identify at-risk groups, and measure the efficacy of mental health policies. COP29 can encourage international collaborations to fund and conduct such studies.

Mental Health as a Catalyst for Climate Action

Mental health advocacy does not merely address the consequences of climate change; it can also drive action. Individuals with sound mental well-being are more likely to engage in climate activism, build community resilience, and innovate sustainable solutions. By investing in mental health, we foster a proactive and adaptive society capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

COP29 is not just another milestone in climate negotiations; it is an opportunity to redefine climate action as holistic, inclusive, and human-centred. By elevating mental health on the climate agenda, we not only heal individuals and communities but also strengthen our collective resilience against future challenges. Let Baku be remembered as the place where the world united not only for the planet’s physical health but also for the well-being of its people.

The rumblings will continue, and I look forward to sharing more reflections. Feedback is always welcome in the comments section or via email: [email protected]