How do climate change and pollution impact our mental and cognitive health?

The health of the Planet and that of humans are intrinsically linked. Many scientific studies investigate the effects of climate change on our physical health, but the impact on our psyche and brain is also significant. Experiencing natural disasters can cause stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More, anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More, and depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More, particularly affecting populations that are more vulnerable due to age, pre-existing conditions, or precarious socio-health situations.

The impact of climate change on mental health

The European Climate and Health Observatory highlights how losses and damages from extreme weather events severely affect mental health, which is also directly impacted by rising temperatures. This can trigger sudden mood changes, behavioral disorders, aggression, crime, addictions, and even an increased risk of suicide**Suicide can be defined as “the deliberate act of ending ... More, especially in individuals with psychiatric conditions.

Growing concern for the future of our Planet fosters the spread of anxiety and solastalgiaA new form of psychological distress: what is solastalgia ... More, the distress caused by environmental changes affecting beloved places, resulting in a loss of comfort associated with them. Natural disasters can undermine community belonging, damaging or destroying natural, artistic, and cultural heritage, which reflects and nurtures societies.

Pollution and neurodevelopment

A particularly impactful challenge is air pollution, which represents a significant risk factor for various conditions, including the development and worsening of asthma. Pollutant particles such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone can irritate the airways, causing inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity in predisposed individuals. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown a direct correlation between urban pollution peaks and increased emergency room visits for asthma attacks.

Chronic exposure to polluted air, especially in urban or industrial areas, can even contribute to disease onset in children, whose respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open warns of potential asthma effects on neurodevelopment, particularly on memoryMemory is a fundamental cognitive function that consists in ... More and executive functionsThe term 'executive functions' refers to a set of mental pro... More. The longitudinal study demonstrated that episodic memory development is slower in children with early-onset asthma.

Combating climate pollution is therefore a preventive action that can contribute to children’s health, both physically and cognitively.

Protecting the Planet and global health

To protect the Planet and our global health, we must resist the temptation of indifference and seize the opportunity to take active measures for the well-being of both ourselves and the Earth, enhancing environmental monitoring and communication, supporting adaptation, resilience, and prevention for psychosocial well-being“Health is not a feeling, but a being there, a being in th... More.

It is also important to involve children in environmental projects to cultivate hope, solidarityThe psychological force that transforms individuals into com... More, engagement, self-efficacyWhen facing the daily challenges we must confront, sometimes... More, and eco-resilience. Working on copingCoping is the ability to face and manage stress, challenges,... More strategies, or how we face challenges, allows us to respond more effectively to environmental emergencies: a Swedish study shows that problem-focused coping encourages proactive behaviors but is also associated with anxiety and depression. Conversely, meaning-focused coping, reflecting on both threats and challenges, as well as opportunities and purpose, fosters greater well-being and satisfaction and promotes a more optimistic engagement with environmental issues.

Enhancing resilience with the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation

To cultivate our resilience, the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation offers tools based on the Pedagogy for the Third MillenniumPedagogy for the Third Millennium (PTM) is an interdisciplin... More, such as webinars, video lessons, and in-person meetings, which help us strengthen our inner resources and train to face unexpected events with resilience and antifragility, turning difficulty into strength, growth, and determination. For example, the Foundation’s interdisciplinary team provides free access to the 10 Keys of Resilience, a guide to becoming more resilient and improving our lives.

“There’s no place like home,” are the magical words to return home, as reminded in “The Wizard of Oz“. The true return comes from recognizing its beauty and precious uniqueness. And our home to live in, love, and return to is the Earth.