Climate change and mental health: impact on people with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine why people with disabilities (PWDs) are at risk due to climate change. It also discusses the linkage between climate change events and the mental health of the disabled population.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a qualitative approach.

Findings

Climate change can affect the mental well-being of PWDs in several ways such as increased vulnerability, displacement-related trauma, social isolation, loss of independence, climate anxiety and eco-grief.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications for policymakers. Because climate change has a disproportionate impact on PWDs, there is an urgent need to include them in climate action, both as beneficiaries and decision-makers.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to explore the measures that can be taken for prevention and mitigation of impacts on the mental health of PWDs.

Citation

Vig, S. and Dwivedi, S. (2023), "Climate change and mental health: impact on people with disabilities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2023-0121