Sydney: During the ongoing COP29 international climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, experts have created a stir in the world by making a new claim. According to experts, rapid climate change and pollution is affecting the mental health of the youth. Government representatives from various countries have gathered in Azerbaijan, demanding that the impact of climate change on the mental health of youth be given immediate priority.
Psychiatrists working especially with children and adolescents are extremely concerned. He says we are sharing our research at the summit on the link between high temperatures and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Our recent study shows that youth are more likely to visit the emergency department due to suicidal thoughts and behavior in hot weather. The mental health of youth is deteriorating due to climate change.
Impact on the minds of youth around the world
The mental health of young people in Australia and around the world is deteriorating due to the effects of climate change. This problem is increasing due to inadequate action towards tackling the challenge of climate change. Climate change is already harming the mental health of youth. Extreme weather events – such as Australia's devastating bushfires in 2019 and subsequent hurricanes and floods – have disrupted children's schooling, forced displacement and caused trauma, anxiety and stress. Causes arise. The risk of suicidal behavior among youth increases with warmer weather—a small increase in average temperatures could mean an increase in the number of hot days each year.
Concern about climate change also impacts the mental health of young people. What will we tell the COP29 climate summit? — Leaders at COP29 need to recognize that the mental health of youth is already being seriously affected by inadequate action on climate change, including extreme weather, heat, forced migration and disruptions in school, work, and health care. (Language)
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