There is no doubt that our earth has been in constant flux, but recently these changes have accelerated. A recent study analyzed whether anxiety and depression are affected by climate change. The study uncovered that, in the midst of the climate crisis, job and economic uncertainties will rise. This increase of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns will drastically affect mental health, likely causing greater unease and anxiety overall.
There is also growing evidence of a link between certain air pollutants and illnesses like depression, dementia, and anxiety. The risk is especially high among young people living in urban areas as, according to a recent study published in Psychiatry Research, children become three to four times more likely to have depression at a later age if they are exposed to polluted air. In another blow to mental health, researchers from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a link between high traffic-related air pollution and anxiety levels.
Lead, a heavy metal, is also toxic to our nervous system as confirmed in the latest Global Chemicals Outlook. Even very low levels of lead concentration in blood may be associated with decreased intelligence, behavioral difficulties, and learning problems in children. Additionally, according to the latest IPBES report, urbanization increases isolation from nature. This in turn prevents people from harnessing the mental health benefits of being surrounded by a natural environment and prevents enhanced air quality.
All of this data suggests that climate change will affect us physically and mentally, making our society suffer as a whole. Humans have always been around nature and we seek its comforting atmosphere whenever we need an escape or a reminder. Nature has always been for us, it's high time we return the favor.
Arhana R
The Carbon Newsprint
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