How can we build mental resilience to climate change?
Feb 24, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Jyoti Mishra, an Associate Professor at UC focusing on climate and mental health, teams up with John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta, a specialist in environmental psychology from the Philippines. They dive into how communities can foster mental resilience against climate-related trauma, sharing inspiring stories from Northern California's wildfires and the Philippines' Manobo tribe. Key strategies include cultivating social support, integrating indigenous wisdom, and emphasizing collective healing to navigate the emotional toll of climate change.
The emotional impact of climate change, termed climate trauma, profoundly affects individuals and communities, necessitating robust support networks for healing.
Community initiatives and collective practices, such as bayanihan in the Philippines, demonstrate the importance of social connections in fostering resilience against climate disasters.
Deep dives
The Impact of Climate Change on Wildfires
Wildfires have become increasingly severe due to climate change, with conditions such as hot, dry weather intensifying the danger. The Tubbs Fire of 2017, in Northern California, exemplifies this trend, being one of the most destructive fires in the state's history. Firefighters reported flames jumping over their heads, leading to the loss of homes and the transformation of communities into landscapes of ash and debris. Scientists attribute the increased frequency of such fires to human activities, making recent wildfires statistically more likely to occur.
Understanding Climate Trauma
The emotional toll of climate disasters, referred to as climate trauma, can severely impact individuals and communities for months or even years. Symptoms of climate trauma vary widely, affecting mood, attention, and cognitive functions, leading to distress or heightened anxiety. Vulnerability to climate trauma is exacerbated in communities with limited resources, health care access, and those living in high-risk geographic areas. Surrounding support networks can significantly influence recovery, suggesting that fostering community connections is vital for mental health resilience.
Community Resilience and Support Mechanisms
Community connections and support systems play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from climate-related disasters. In various cultures, practices such as bayanihan in the Philippines demonstrate the power of collective support, where community members assist one another in times of need. Individuals like Jennifer Grey Thompson, who witnessed the aftermath of the Tubbs Fire, illustrate how grassroots efforts can lead to effective community rebuilding and strength. Overall, developing social networks and engaging in community-focused initiatives can empower individuals while promoting resilience against future climate challenges.
How can we protect our mental health from climate change related trauma? Can family, friends and community help to boost recovery and resilience in places hit by extreme weather?
Graihagh Jackson finds out about a local support network called "After The Fire", set up following the wildfires which swept through Northern California in 2017. And she hears how the Manobo tribe in the Philippines are protecting their community from flooding and typhoons.
Plus, we hear some top tips about mental health first aid, and how to build psychological resilience, from Jyoti Mishra, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California and Dr. John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta, Associate Professor at the de La Salle University in the Philippines.
You can find out more about the story from the Philippines by following the link to an article by our friends at BBC Future Planet.
Presenter: Graihagh Jackson
Producer: Diane Richardson
For BBC Future Planet: Gab Mejia, Ivan Torres, Jeremy Riggall and Isabelle Gerretsen
Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Mix: Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts
If you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721
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