Climate change, ambient air pollution, and students' mental health.

Journal: World journal of psychiatry

Volume: 14

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin , China. School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin , China. xinqiaoliu@pku.edu.cn.

Abstract summary 

The impact of global climate change and air pollution on mental health has become a crucial public health issue. Increased public awareness of health, advancements in medical diagnosis and treatment, the way media outlets report environmental changes and the variation in social resources affect psychological responses and adaptation methods to climate change and air pollution. In the context of climate change, extreme weather events seriously disrupt people's living environments, and unstable educational environments lead to an increase in mental health issues for students. Air pollution affects students' mental health by increasing the incidence of diseases while decreasing contact with nature, leading to problems such as anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive function. We call for joint efforts to reduce pollutant emissions at the source, improve energy structures, strengthen environmental monitoring and gover-nance, increase attention to the mental health issues of students, and help student groups build resilience; by establishing public policies, enhancing social support and adjusting lifestyles and habits, we can help students cope with the constantly changing environment and maintain a good level of mental health. Through these comprehensive measures, we can more effectively address the challenges of global climate change and air pollution and promote the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Authors & Co-authors:  Wang Liu

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Hu T, Xu ZY, Wang J, Su Y, Guo BB. Meteorological factors, ambient air pollution, and daily hospital admissions for depressive disorder in Harbin: A time-series study. World J Psychiatry. 2023;13:1061–1078.
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.5498/wjp.v14.i2.204
SSN : 2220-3206
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Ambient air pollution;Climate change;Energy structure;Mental health;Public policy;Sustainable development
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States