Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a present-day reality impacting communities worldwide. Beyond the visible environmental devastation, climate change is also silently wreaking havoc on mental health, affecting individuals in ways that are just beginning to be understood.
The Broad Impact on Mental Health
Research indicates that climate change is affecting mental health across the globe, from urban centers to rural areas. Yale Climate Connections highlights that climate change exacerbates existing mental health issues and contributes to new ones. The American Psychological Association (APA) stresses that children are particularly vulnerable, experiencing heightened anxiety, depression, and trauma due to climate-related events such as wildfires, hurricanes, and prolonged droughts.
A deeper dive into the neuroscience of climate change reveals that extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures can impair cognitive functions and increase the risk of neurological disorders. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and polluted air can also lead to conditions like dementia and epilepsy. People with pre-existing health conditions, such as dementia, epilepsy, and depression, may experience worsened symptoms due to climate change. There is a strong need for targeted healthcare interventions and policies to support these people.
And, importantly, there are also important roles for Population Media Center (PMC) to play. First, our shows must do what they always do, we need to be having a big impact on the normalcy and tenor of conversations around climate and sustainability and of conversations around mental health. These topics are all part of our daily lives, deserve respect, urgency, and openness. And, second, of course is that our shows should not only change the narrative and what is safe and normal to discuss, but our work also must inspire action. But more on that in a moment. First, a bit more about this continuously increasing connection between climate and mental health.
The Role of Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety is a term used to describe the chronic fear of environmental doom. This anxiety is not just limited to those directly affected by natural disasters; it can also affect individuals who are distressed by the ongoing and future implications of climate change. This pervasive sense of dread can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s important to understand that climate anxiety is not only becoming far more widespread across larger numbers of people, it’s also becoming more severe within individuals suffering from climate anxiety.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
The growing recognition of the mental health impacts of climate change has prompted calls for action. Experts advocate for integrating mental health support into climate change adaptation strategies. This includes training healthcare providers to recognize and treat climate-related mental health issues, developing community-based support systems, and promoting resilience-building activities.
Moreover, there is a push for greater public awareness about the mental health impacts of climate change. By educating communities about these risks and providing tools for coping, it is possible to mitigate some of the adverse effects.
PMC’s Role in Addressing Climate-Related Mental Health Issues
At Population Media Center (PMC), we recognize the profound impact that climate change is having on mental health. As part of our mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals worldwide, we are actively addressing these issues through our various programs and initiatives.
Our radio and television shows, which reach millions of people globally, incorporate storylines that highlight the struggles and triumphs of characters dealing with climate-related issues. We aim to normalize conversations around mental health and provide audiences with practical coping strategies.
We are also dedicated to changing climate conversations. We do this throughout our global shows with women leaders and activists that demonstrate the important roles women have in finding solutions to climate challenges. We also do this outside of our entertainment programming, like our recent white paper that looks at how women in Zambia are leading in climate conversations and strategies.
All-too-often women and girls are only portrayed as the most impacted by climate catastrophes, and make no mistake they often are, but they are also at the forefront of creating change and they need to be seen as leaders in this global crisis. Women and girls are often equipped with the most comprehensive and detailed view of aspects of our climate, in many cases because they are the ones collecting the water and growing the food for their families. We need the expertise and wisdom of women and girls to understand what is happening and to find solutions.
As part of all our shows attracting huge audiences all around the world, PMC collaborates with local organizations to offer community-based support services and encourage community-building. These services are all tailored to help individuals and communities learn, grow, and thrive.
Jangala
This 104-episode Pidgin English radio show aired October 2016 through October 2017 in southern Nigeria.
Jangala aired twice weekly on 26 radio stations across 16 states in southern Nigeria. It was being aired concurrently with A Dade Ana Yi, a Hausa language drama broadcast across the northern half of the country.
Jangala engaged 1,250 daily listeners with interactive quizzes and reached a total audience of 1,133,227. As with all PMC radio shows, Jangala was created using PMC’s radio show methodology.
Characters and plotlines from Pambazuko inspired hundreds of thousands of Congolese listeners.
View Project
HƐrƐ S’ra
This 156-episode radio show aired September 2012 through March 2014 in Dioula, which is one of the two major native languages in Burkina Faso.
Hεrε S’ra aired twice per week on 22 community radio stations across Burkina Faso, as well as on Radiodiffusion Television du Burkina. It was one of two PMC radio shows on the air at that time. YamYankréwas also airing in the Mooré language. Clinic monitoring estimated the combined listenership of these two programs at six million people. The radio broadcasts included weekly listeners’ contests in which listeners were quizzed on the storylines and issues they address. In just two months, there were 3,797 listeners who called in for the contests.
Hεrε S’raincreased demand for local health clinics and encouraged more listeners to prioritize their health. As with all PMC radio shows, Hεrε S’ra was created using PMC’s radio show methodology.
View Project
Jangala
Nigeria
Project Duration:
2016-2017
This 104-episode Pidgin English radio show aired October 2016 through October 2017 in southern Nigeria.
Jangala aired twice weekly on 26 radio stations across 16 states in southern Nigeria. It was being aired concurrently with A Dade Ana Yi, a Hausa language drama broadcast across the northern half of the country.
Jangala engaged 1,250 daily listeners with interactive quizzes and reached a total audience of 1,133,227. As with all PMC radio shows, Jangala was created using PMC’s radio show methodology.
HƐrƐ S’ra
Burkina Faso
Project Duration:
2012-2014
This 156-episode radio show aired September 2012 through March 2014 in Dioula, which is one of the two major native languages in Burkina Faso.
Hεrε S’ra aired twice per week on 22 community radio stations across Burkina Faso, as well as on Radiodiffusion Television du Burkina. It was one of two PMC radio shows on the air at that time. YamYankréwas also airing in the Mooré language. Clinic monitoring estimated the combined listenership of these two programs at six million people. The radio broadcasts included weekly listeners’ contests in which listeners were quizzed on the storylines and issues they address. In just two months, there were 3,797 listeners who called in for the contests.
Hεrε S’raincreased demand for local health clinics and encouraged more listeners to prioritize their health. As with all PMC radio shows, Hεrε S’ra was created using PMC’s radio show methodology.
Commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month
Climate change is a multifaceted crisis affecting not just our physical environment but our mental well-being. As the climate continues to change, it is imperative to address the mental health challenges it brings. By acknowledging the mental health impacts and taking proactive steps to support affected individuals, we can build more resilient communities capable of facing the uncertainties of a changing world.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, PMC is amplifying its efforts to shine a light on the intersection of climate change and mental health. By highlighting these issues, we hope to foster a sense of solidarity and encourage others to seek support when needed. At PMC, we remain committed to leveraging the power of media and community engagement to address these pressing issues and promote mental health advocates and climate action globally.
