Background: Climate change is increasingly recognized as a driver of mental health disorders, exacerbating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress. However, climate policies rarely address mental health considerations.Objective: This study investigates the extent to which mental health is incorporated into national climate adaptation policies, specifically Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), from countries classified as high or very high risk according to the INFORM index.Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review and policy analysis of NDCs from 38 high‑risk countries. A keyword‑based approach was used to assess the frequency and depth of mental health references in climate policies.
Climate Change and Mental Health Nexus in National Climate Policy - Gaps and Challenges
2025
No items found.
Background: Climate change is increasingly recognized as a driver of mental health disorders, exacerbating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress. However, climate policies rarely address mental health considerations.Objective: This study investigates the extent to which mental health is incorporated into national climate adaptation policies, specifically Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), from countries classified as high or very high risk according to the INFORM index.Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review and policy analysis of NDCs from 38 high‑risk countries. A keyword‑based approach was used to assess the frequency and depth of mental health references in climate policies.
Related resources
Thinking Space
Climate and ecological emotions
Climate justice & decolonising
Hosting and facilitating a Climate café listening circle (CCLC) training
Do you want to help build resilience in your community? Climate Cafe LIstening Circle (CCLC) Training builds the confidence, skills, and peer community to facilitate your own circles. Delivered as a structured programme over three sessions in closed cohorts, with ongoing supervision and support afterwards.
April 23, 2026
Peer supervision
Hosting and facilitating a Climate café listening circle (CCLC) training
Do you want to help build resilience in your community? Climate Cafe LIstening Circle (CCLC) Training builds the confidence, skills, and peer community to facilitate your own circles. Delivered as a structured programme over three sessions in closed cohorts, with ongoing supervision and support afterwards.
May 11, 2026
Working group
Hosting and facilitating a Climate café listening circle (CCLC) training
Do you want to help build resilience in your community? Climate Cafe LIstening Circle (CCLC) Training builds the confidence, skills, and peer community to facilitate your own circles. Delivered as a structured programme over three sessions in closed cohorts, with ongoing supervision and support afterwards.
May 21, 2026
Explore more resources
Browse the full Research and Resources library, more articles, papers, podcasts, and reading lists.
Browse the library
Join the community
CPA is built collaboratively, by members for members. If this work resonates, come and join us.
Find out about membership
.jpg)
