Global warming

Climate change

Sociology

Poverty

Neglect

Economic growth

Biology

Effects of global warming

Mental health

Psychiatry

Nexus (standard)

Political science

Embedded system

Psychology

Economics

Geography

Psychological intervention

Ecology

Computer science

Socioeconomics

Development economics

Computer security

Vulnerability (computing)

BJPsych International

It is now widely acknowledged that low- and middle-income countries in Africa are among global hotspots for high vulnerability to climate change, despite making comparatively low contributions to this phenomenon. Climate change has been shown to affect mental health as a result of disruption of social and economic structures that populations depend on for good health, including mental health. After decades of neglect, recent efforts by governments such as in Kenya to address the twin issues of climate change and mental health demonstrate the growing importance of these issues. Here we briefly review the evidence of climate change impacts on mental health in Africa and demonstrate that there is need for more contextual awareness and research in this area in Africa to mitigate or forestall potential mental health crises in the near future. We recommend systematic efforts to support funding for research and interventions at the nexus between climate change and mental health in Africa, and urge institutions and governments in Africa to begin paying attention to this emerging threat to the health of African populations.

Mental health and climate change in Africa