The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident worldwide. From rising sea levels to increased storm activity, the impacts of climate change can be devastating and far-reaching.
But what is less talked about is how climate change can have an effect on mental health, specifically depression. In recent years, research has shown that there is a significant connection between climate change, its associated events such as extreme weather , and depression.
One study from the University of California, Berkeley found that people living in areas prone to extreme weather events experienced significantly higher rates of depression than those not exposed to such events. The effects were especially acute in rural populations. This could be due to the fact that rural populations are already more vulnerable to climate change due to their limited access to resources and infrastructure.