Climate and Ecological Emergency

The climate and ecological crises pose a threat to humanity, and to ecosystems. The United Nations has declared that ‘Climate Change is the defining crisis of our time, but we are far from powerless to act’. There is undisputed evidence for climate change and its physical and mental health consequences. Declaring a climate and ecological emergency is in line with position statements taken by other professional bodies such as the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Association of Clinical Psychologists, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and many other professional bodies. The government document 'Applying All Our Health: Climate Change' (May 2022) informs health practitioners of how they can and must take action on climate change at work.

The health sector, whose mission is protecting and promoting health, contributes over 4% of the UK’s total carbon footprint and must therefore play their part in resolving it. Public and private health and social care providers, and educational bodies can have a significant influence in driving changes to help us practise, work and live in more sustainable ways.

Eco-distress

Millions are already exposed to the direct impacts of climate change and eco destruction, such as extreme weather events. Direct exposure has psychological effects (e.g. loss, trauma). This is not limited to countries in more vulnerable parts of the world: flooding is the most common disaster in the UK and is associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Indirect exposure through the growing awareness of these crises is increasingly seen as a psychological burden for people around the world, particularly younger people. This 'eco-distress' (also known as eco-anxiety, climate anxiety, ecological grief) may, for some, be a significant issue for which they seek support. Others may experience this as one challenge amongst many, or an issue that interacts with existing mental health problems. Importantly, practitioners are also affected by these global crises and as such may also experience eco concern and distress themselves.

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and science have important contributions to make to meet the challenge of eco-distress, with its expertise in research and evidence-based therapy.

A number of existing cognitive-behaviourally informed models can offer helpful understandings and formulations for eco-distress. New theoretical models and protocols are emerging to understand these complex and multifaceted experiences. It is important to understand the wider systems and context within which distress is experienced, including the role of intersectionality, for example between climate change, age, poverty, geographical location, neurodiversity, violence against women and girls (VAWG) and racism. New models will also consider the ways in which climate injustice and the inaction of those in power contribute to distress.

Role of the Association

BABCP recognises that the climate and ecological crises are health crises, and therefore that climate and ecological work is a core part of its members’ professional responsibilities.

We will:

• Help people understand that climate concern is a normal psychological reaction to drastic changes in our climate and ecology.
• Seek to promote research into the development of effective ways to alleviate eco-distress where its severity causes significant suffering.
• Commit to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of the organisation with the goal of achieving Carbon Zero for those emissions it directly controls by 2040.
• Work with other healthcare organisations to raise awareness of the mental health impact of climate change, and potential solutions to climate and ecological emergency.

We would like to acknowledge the work and support of Amanda Cole, Dr Liz Marks, Dr Stirling Moorey and Colin Hughes.

BABCP members can join the Climate Change Special Interest Group here.