Climate 2.0: Navigating Physical and Mental Wellbeing in a Changing Climate
On December 18th, 2024, Climacomms hosted an informal discussion titled "Climate & Health: Navigating Physical and Mental Wellbeing in a Changing Climate”. This interactive event brought together participants to explore the interconnectedness of health and climate change, focusing on practical strategies for building resilience at individual and collective levels.
From mindfulness practices to simple habits like staying hydrated, the diversity of experiences shared underscored the complex interplay of health challenges in a changing world. This collaborative atmosphere framed the evening's discussions on the dual impacts of climate change on physical health and mental wellbeing.
Climate change and physical health
The conversation around physical health delved into the tangible consequences of climate change. Participants discussed how rising temperatures and extreme heat events are significantly impacting workers in Sri Lanka, especially those in vulnerable industries like agriculture and textile production. Stories of individuals struggling with dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion, particularly in settings with poor ventilation or inadequate cooling systems emerged. In urban areas like Colombo, overcrowded housing has only exacerbated these issues, making it clear that climate change poses a serious threat to productivity and livelihoods, which further affects the nation’s export production.
The discussion shed light on Jaffna’s evolving climate, wherewith extreme weather events like the recent cyclone Fengel bringing devastating impacts to the region. These shifts have also exacerbated public health challenges, including a growing prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases linked to changes in rainfall patterns and flooding. Participants emphasised the critical lack of public awareness and research, leaving communities unprepared to address these challenges effectively.
Air pollution, primarily driven by transboundary haze, has emerged as a public health concern in Jaffna. This issue is further exacerbated by local practices such as burning plastic, which contribute to respiratory problems and adversely impact lung health. These challenges underscore the urgent need for systemic changes through policy reforms, medical collaborations, and comprehensive public health education.
Climate change and mental wellbeing
The session’s focus on mental health resonated deeply, especially with the predominantly Most youth audience—many of whom feel the urgency of addressing climate change. As the focus shifted to mental health, the conversation took on an equally urgent tone. Themes of climate-induced anxiety, grief, and trauma dominated the conversation, with attendees sharing how witnessing environmental degradation and displacement due to flooding or extreme heat weigh heavily on their mental wellbeing. These challenges often leave individuals and communities grappling with feelings of helplessness and despair. A global survey by the Lancet Planetary Health found that 84% of young people are at least moderately worried about climate change, with 59% reporting they feel very or extremely worried. Climate-induced mental health issues, such as eco-anxiety, climate grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have been documented as significant and rising concerns worldwide.
Vipassana meditation, a mindfulness-based practice rooted in scientific philosophy, emerged as a promising tool for coping with climate-related stress. By cultivating awareness and processing emotions without judgment, Vipassana offers both a personal coping mechanism and a scalable intervention for community resilience strategies. By slowing down thoughts and building mental clarity, practices like Vipassana can empower individuals to navigate the psychological challenges posed by a changing climate.
Key lessons and next steps
As the session concluded, participants reflected and actionable steps, including:
- Expanding research on climate change’s health impacts involving medical professionals to bridge knowledge gaps.
- Advocating for policies that integrate health and climate resilience.
- Using diverse communication strategies to engage local communities and policymakers.
- Accelerating the transition to renewable energy to reduce air pollution and its health effects.
The session ended with a call to action, encouraging participants to integrate health and climate resilience into their personal and professional lives. Strengthening research, enhancing public health initiatives, and transitioning to clean energy sources were highlighted as essential steps toward building a healthier, more resilient population in the face of climate change.
Climate 2.0 is a series of informal conversations under the ClimaComms initiative by SLYCAN Trust. It aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals, from those deeply involved in climate action to those working in different fields. The goal is to ensure holistic discussions on pressing environmental topics, fostering a collaborative approach to tackling climate challenges. By bridging gaps between various sectors and perspectives, Climate 2.0 seeks to create a more inclusive and comprehensive dialogue on our future.
Aisha Wahab serves as a communications consultant at SLYCAN Trust, where her dedication to effective communication aligns seamlessly with the organization's mission. Holding a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a major in Geography and Philosophy from The University of Hong Kong, Aisha brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her role.Aisha's academic journey laid the foundation for her passion for addressing complex issues through the lens of geography and philosophy. She understands the power of communication as a catalyst for positive change, and her commitment to leveraging this power is evident in her work with SLYCAN Trust.In her capacity as a communications consultant, Aisha plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and outreach strategies for SLYCAN Trust. She is dedicated to developing communication initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences and drive engagement. Learning from her previous role at a media house and environmental academic background, she believes that effective communication is not just about conveying information but also about fostering understanding and inspiring collective action for ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly action!
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