This study examines the mental health impacts of climate change on Aboriginal pastoralists in regional Australia, focusing on the social and psychological consequences of the downsizing of the pastoralism sector during a period of prolonged drought. Drawing on qualitative research, the authors document declining mental wellbeing among Aboriginal people who have been displaced from pastoral work and forced to migrate from regional areas into nearby towns, often through no fault of their own. The study explores the loss of connection to country and cultural identity bound up with this displacement, and highlights the need for alternative meaningful activities and support structures to help affected communities maintain a sense of wellbeing and purpose in the aftermath of livelihood loss driven by climate-related economic decline.
Cut from 'country': the impact of climate change on the mental health of Aboriginal pastoralists
This study examines the mental health impacts of climate change on Aboriginal pastoralists in regional Australia, focusing on the social and psychological consequences of the downsizing of the pastoralism sector during a period of prolonged drought. Drawing on qualitative research, the authors document declining mental wellbeing among Aboriginal people who have been displaced from pastoral work and forced to migrate from regional areas into nearby towns, often through no fault of their own. The study explores the loss of connection to country and cultural identity bound up with this displacement, and highlights the need for alternative meaningful activities and support structures to help affected communities maintain a sense of wellbeing and purpose in the aftermath of livelihood loss driven by climate-related economic decline.
Pearce, M.
Eagle, L.
Low, D.
Schurmann, A.
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