Climate change and mental health webinar series

Climate change is the health challenge of this century, with mental health impacts reliably estimated to be even greater than the physical health impacts of climate-driven disasters and rising mental health emergencies linked to heatwaves. These are just the direct climate change impacts, before even considering the more complex, system-wide interactions with climate change impacts on social, environmental, and economic determinants of mental health and disruptions to mental health care. Beyond this, our own emotional responses to the scientific facts of climate change can interfere with our ability to respond effectively as health professionals.

Despite this, the current and future mental health impacts – and growing efforts to develop better responses – are not yet widely recognised, even among health professionals. These two webinars are an opportunity to learn more, and to discuss with a range of experts (GPs, psychiatrists, physicians, and community members with lived experience) the biggest challenge and opportunity for mental health this century: climate change. 

18 October 2022

Session 1

Climate change and mental health: What we need to know and care about

This webinar will focus on what we need to know and care about while we respond to the climate mental health crisis. 

We will hear about:

• the latest research on climate change and mental health for clinicians
• climate anxiety
• the effects of climate change on young people
• Psychology for a safe climate

Speakers

Dr Cybele Dey, Associate Professor Fiona Charlson, Tara Crandon, Chloe Watfern, Dr Charles Le Feuvre, Lara McDonald, Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, Dr Jacqueline Small

19 October 2022

Session 2

Climate change and mental health: What can we do about it?

This webinar will focus on how we can respond to the climate mental health crisis, locally and globally. 

We will hear about:

• a research report endorsed by 10 medical colleges on climate change and the Australian health system
• a practical, brief General Practice approach 
• a live interview with a traditional owner and climate advocate 
• solutions from international mental health experts 
• the president of CAHA will discuss the national strategy for combating climate change and the need for health leadership in this area. 

Speakers

Dr Cybele Dey,  Emily Coady, Professor Anthony Harris, Professor Lynne Madden, Professor Alan Rosen,  Rikki Dank, Dr Rebecca Patrick, Dr Anna Seth, Dr Elizabeth Moore, Dr David Pollack

Disclaimer

This session is a Member benefit of the RANZCP and for educational purposes only. The information may represent views of the author and not necessarily the views of the College. Information is subject to change and the College does not warrant that the information is current at the time of viewing and accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by you or a patient directly or indirectly as a result of relying on information provided and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing e-learning sessions you also agree to the RANZCP Website Terms of Use Agreement.