Ahead of the 29th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) set for Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, a forum organised by the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC) to address the intersectionality of climate change urged for transdisciplinary research and improved funding mechanisms to tackle the escalating mental health challenges associated with climate-related crises.
“This forum was organised to escalate the dire need of integrating mental health considerations within climate response strategies across Africa and the wider global community, particularly now that world leaders are set to meet at COP29,” said Dr Rosalid Nkirote, the Executive Advisor at the ACCRCC.
She said Africa continues to bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, such as floods, droughts, and displacement, but that how these are increasingly affecting mental well-being across vulnerable communities no one seems to care. Speakers pointed out the often-overlooked mental health impacts, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and the challenges in measuring these immediate impacts.
Dr Decide Mumbundo a disaster risk expert from South Africa emphasized the importance of embedding equity into climate and mental health responses, urging for community-driven approaches to resilience-building., a keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of embedding equity into climate and mental health responses, urging for community-driven approaches to resilience-building.
Uganda’s role in regional climate initiatives was highlighted as a model, particularly within the Horn of Africa, where collaborative approaches are essential.
A call for increased regional training and mentorship programs was issued, David Luganda a climate journalist from Uganda cited examples like the Carter Summer School as exemplary models for training researchers in transdisciplinary approaches.
Addressing the funding gaps in climate and mental health interventions, Dr Lydia Gachahi, climate scientist and educationist proposed creating a centralized funding portal that would aggregate grants, scholarships, and fellowships to support ongoing and new initiatives.
The Forum demanded concrete funding pathways from COP29 that will make it easy for vulnerable communities to access funds for their various climate action by ensuring that eligibility criteria align with local needs.
To amplify impact, Henry Neondo, an advocacy and communication specialist advocated for integrated, multi-disciplinary research that includes cross-border and -sectoral collaborations.
He noted that addressing the ripple effects of climate change—such as displacement and disease- requires coordinated responses that bolster the resilience of host communities. “We need comprehensive solutions that consider mental health and livelihoods,” remarked one speaker.
Dr Nkirote stressed the need for policies that recognize the unique mental health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, including those affected by displacement and disease outbreaks.
Culturally relevant interventions and long-term studies were highlighted as critical to developing tailored, effective responses. “It is crucial to integrate mental health into climate resilience strategies,” noted Dr Nkirote, emphasizing the need for policy frameworks that prioritize mental health alongside physical health.
As the forum concluded, speakers offered a resounding call for action. Echoing the event’s primary message, they underscored the urgency of investment in research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives to effectively address the growing mental health impacts of climate change. In a one-word appeal, participants called for “Resilience,” “Equity,” “Collaboration,” and “Funding.”
This forum represents a step toward a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses climate-related physical threats but also promotes the mental well-being and resilience of communities most affected by climate change.