EMDR UK joins a coalition of leading mental health organisations to tackle the impacts of climate change on the nation’s wellbeing

13 November, 2024

Trees viewed from ground looking at sky

EMDR UK has joined a new coalition of leading mental health organisations calling for more support to protect the UK’s mental health in the face of climate change.

The Climate Minds Coalition aims to work with policy makers and mental health professionals to expand the role of psychological and mental health professionals in shaping policies to tackle climate change and help people experiencing poor mental health as a result of the climate emergency.

A growing body of evidence is highlighting how climate change affects mental health.

  • There is a clear relationship between increased temperatures and number of suicides
  • There is clear evidence for severe distress following extreme weather events.
  • Both the direct and indirect impacts of climate change increase the risk a person will experience mental health problems.

A 2022 Office for National Statistics survey found that almost three in four UK adults are worried about climate change, ranking second only to the cost of living as their major concern. The Climate Minds Coalition comprises 18 members to date. Their key aims are to:

  • Campaign to improve access to a wide range of support options that help people increase their ability to cope with the impacts of climate change.
  • Improve training and support for mental health professionals working with individuals and communities affected by climate change.
  • Bring together mental health colleagues to feel confident and supported in dealing with the emotional reactions to climate change.
  • Work with political leaders to better understand how and why people react in different ways to the climate emergency and what they can do to help
  • Support and promote efforts to protect the environment and slow climate change.

Dr Edgington, coalition chair representing the British Psychological Society, says:

“We’ve seen first hand how people react to the climate crisis, ranging from denial and eco-anxiety to long-term traumatic impacts after suffering direct harm or loss through climate-related events such as flooding, overheating and coastal erosion. This can really affect the ability of an individual, or entire community, to function effectively. We are confident that with expert psychological and mental health care, supported by credible and effective political leadership, we can help the British public to better adapt to the psychological impacts of climate change and feel more hopeful for the future.”

Martina Leeven, chair of EMDR UK’s Climate Crisis Special Interest Group (SIG) and EMDR UK’s representative to the coalition says:

“I’m pleased EMDR UK has joined the Climate Minds Coalition. We need expanded, targeted awareness raising, and training for mental health professionals, and through its work, our membership and networks will become more confident in this area.  The EMDR UK Climate Crisis SIG continues to offer a regular space for reflection on clinical practice as well as Climate Cafés for therapists to explore their own feelings.”

Find out more about the Climate Minds Coalition at https://www.climatemindscoalition.com/

If you’re a member of EMDR UK or eligible to become one and would like to join the Climate Crisis SIG contact mleevenpsychologist@gmail.com