Prevention of mental health effects by climate change and environmental drivers

Abstract

Abstract Background There is a growing amount of climate change and health data available in open sources. Inhabitants value their neighbourhood mostly by perception. Local authorities make spatial planning discussions based on environmental data. In the case of heat waves more climate adaptation measures are taken by authorities. However, there is a gap in knowledge on the need for adaptation of our environment and the perception of a growing proportion of the population on the need for adaptation. Furthermore, there is little focus on the mental problems related to climate change. The example of heat wave adaptation has been studied. Methods Heat wave plans across Europe have been analysed on participatory processes by the population or by broader group of stakeholders in the health care sector. The existing plans of 20 countries were collected. Interviews with key-persons involved in the implementation of these plans were used. The perception of the population on the measures, the mentioning of individual or group resilience and for mental disturbances during or in the aftermath of a heat wave were studied. Results The results show limited attention for the participatory process in heat wave plans. There is no attention for mental problems. Resilience is only addressed the way that simple message is conveyed through the media. There is limited focus on vulnerable groups in society. Conclusions It would help if the local authorities would make decisions in adaptation of their spatial planning to include the perception of the population and to focus on some vulnerable groups in society. The extension of caring about vulnerable groups beyond the period of heat waves is needed.