Contributions of Health Psychology to Climate Change: A Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how health psychology can help address climate change by promoting behavior change and improving mental health outcomes.

Contribution

The paper highlights the underutilized role of health psychology in climate governance and behavior modification.

Findings

Climate change causes psychological stress, including anxiety and eco-distress.

Behavioral science insights can drive sustainable actions but are not widely used in climate policy.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and systemic change are needed to enhance climate adaptation.

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate its effects. Health psychology, with its focus on behavior change and well-being, is uniquely positioned to contribute to climate action. This review examines how health psychology can address climate-related challenges, emphasizing psychological responses to environmental stressors, behavior modification strategies, and public health interventions. The findings indicate that climate change functions as a psychological stressor, contributing to anxiety, depression, and eco-distress. Additionally, behavioral science insights are underutilized in climate governance, despite their potential to drive sustainable actions. Health psychology can enhance climate adaptation by promoting pro-environmental behaviors, fostering resilience, and integrating psychological well-being into policy frameworks. However, barriers such as limited interdisciplinary collaboration and insufficient emphasis on systemic change hinder progress. To maximize impact, health psychologists must engage in climate governance, advocate for policy integration, and address both individual and collective behavior change. Future research should explore the intersection of mental health, climate resilience, and behavior adaptation to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling climate change. This review underscores the urgent need for health psychology to play a more active role in shaping climate policy and fostering sustainable, health-promoting behaviors.