BPS part of new coalition seeking to address psychological impacts of climate crises

The BPS is proud to be part of the Climate Minds Coalition, which aims to work with health services and political leaders to build and improve access to high quality support for people experiencing the psychological impacts of climate crises.

Dr Louise Edgington, a chartered educational psychologist with expertise in climate psychology, is currently chairing the coalition of 17 mental health organisations, charities and professional bodies.

She said: 

"We are coming together to amplify our collective voice to raise greater awareness of the both the direct and indirect psychological impacts of the climate and ecological crises. 

"Rather than wait for climate distress to add to the existing mental health crisis in the UK, we are calling for a more preventative approach to support our inner resilience as things get tough."

Dr Edgington added: "It's also a call to arms for us as organisations to better mobilise within our own communities, to better signpost to the public where to go for help if they need it and to work with decision makers to improve their understanding of the different reactions people can have, and to weave support into policy and resourcing."

The coalition wants to see improved training and support for mental health professionals working with individuals and communities who are negatively impacted by climate change. It aims to bring together colleagues to feel confident and supported in dealing with the emotional reactions to climate crises.

It will also seek to support and promote efforts that strive to protect the environment, both within the mental health field and communities across the UK, and slow climate change. Dr Edgington said:

"It's increasingly recognised that a lack of meaningful response in schools and the workplace actually contributes to people's distress over the climate and ecological crisis. This can be particularly pronounced in young people, who experience the 'moral injury' when they see adults failing to take steps to safeguard their future.

 "If we can apply our psychology to create a culture of climate action, mental health support and emotional dialogue, then we can face the climate emergency collectively, with a resilient mindset."

Dr Edgington is a member of the BPS's Climate Action Environment Coordinating Group set up last year in recognition of the threat to human health and wellbeing from global climate changes.

In July, the go ahead was given for the setting up of a BPS Environmental Psychology Section to bring together interested members and position environmental psychology in the UK as a prominent advocate for positive societal and environmental change.