Here’s what we’ll be saying at COP29 about how climate change is harming young people’s mental health

As government representatives gather at COP29 international climate summit in Azerbaijan, the impact of climate change on young people’s mental health must be an urgent priority.

As psychiatrists who work with children and adolescents, we are so concerned that we are sharing our research at the summit on the link between higher temperatures and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Us recent study shows that young people are more likely to present to the emergency department for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in warmer weather.

See what we found and why one of us (Cybele Dey) is presenting our findings at COP29.

Mental health is getting worse

of young people mental health deteriorates in Australia and around the world. There is growing figures insufficient action on climate change contributes. But it goes beyond young people are worried about how climate change will affect their future.

Climate change is here and its effects are already damaging the mental health of young people. Extreme weather events – such as the devastating Black Summer fires in Australia in 2019 and the storms and floods since – disrupt children’s schooling, force displacement and cause trauma, anxiety and stress.

Our study shows another dimension that has not been less discussed.

The risk of suicidal behavior increases with warmer weather

Small increases in average temperatures can mean a large increase in the number of hot days each year. In 2019, for example, Australia had 33 days averaging over 39°C – more than the previous 59 years combined.

While studies have shown a link between hot weather and suicidal thoughts and behavior in adultsthe topic is under-researched among young people.

Since suicide is a major health issue for young people – it is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-24 – we wanted to investigate this link.

Us recent study reviewed all emergency department presentations in New South Wales for suicidal ideation and behavior by people aged 12–24 years, during the warmer months (November to March) between January 2012 and December 2019.

We looked at these warmest months to focus on average daily temperature and heatwaves, rather than comparing between seasons.

We found that for every 1°C increase in average daily temperature, emergency department visits by young people for suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased by 1.3%. For example, presentations were 11% higher on days with an average of 30°C, compared to days with an average of 21.9°C. The risks were also significantly increased even on days that were average temperature (not extreme heat), compared to mild, cool days during the warmer months.

A study like this can only show an association between heat and suicidal thoughts and behavior, rather than a direct cause. But the relationship was very strong. This means that there was a steady and predictable deterioration as ambient temperatures rose.

We also analyzed heat wavesthat is, three or more very hot days in a row. Interestingly, presentations increased both on the first hot day and on subsequent days of a heat wave. This means that every hot day is as bad as any other.

Heat and inequality

Our study also found that young people in some of Australia’s most deprived suburbs had a higher risk of presenting to emergency for suicidal thoughts and behaviors than those in more advantaged areas, even at the same temperature.

This is important because previous research has shown socioeconomic disadvantage alone does not increase risk for suicidal ideation and behavior in young people.

But the downside can mean people they are more vulnerable to hot weather damage. For example, this could be due to a lack of cold shelter or the inability to pay for air conditioning or other cooling, as well as a lack of transportation and access to trees and water.

Complex interactions for mental health

Understanding the effects of climate change on mental health means examining complex interactions between many factors and over time. Simple, linear ’cause and effect’ models do not capture this.

Worry about climate change also plays a role in young people’s mental health. But children and adolescents who show high levels of anxiety may express a healthy response in an unhealthy reality, rather than in a mental disorder.

Inadequate actions and negative responses from those in charge, including governments; it exacerbates their distress.

What will we say at COP29?

At COP29, leaders must understand that young people’s mental health is already are seriously affected from insufficient action on climate change, from increasing extreme weather, heat, forced migration and disruption to school, work and health care.

High-income countries such as Australia must quickly and fairly transition away from fossil fuels, including natural gas, according to the scientific evidence and the leadership of our Pacific neighbors to reduce climate distress now.

Our research shows that this can help reduce youth suicide and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and improve mental health more broadly.

How can we adapt?

If we want to adapt to climate change, we have to prepare the mental health system at the national, state and local levels.

Public health messages about heat should also consider the risks of individual hot days, not just heat waves. It should aim youth and include information about mental health as well as physical health.

This information should also be part of how healthcare professionals are trained. The current National Strategy for Health and Climate includes two recommendations on mental health, focusing on community resilience and building a workforce trained in climate change and mental health. These must pass from politics to practice.

Sensible public health measures are needed now – such as improving rental standards and equipping bus shelters for extreme heat. We need to plan for increases in mental health care needs, including access to primary mental health care and evidence-based, locally and culturally appropriate treatments for children and youth.

If this article has raised issues for you or if you are concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.