A study revealed that since 2019, the majority of Australians have encountered a natural calamity firsthand.
The Climate Council published a survey of more than 2,000 individuals on Thursday.
It was found that 80% of Australians had faced at least one severe weather phenomenon in the past three years, with heatwaves, floods, bushfires, and droughts being among the most prevalent natural calamities.
51% of those impacted by climate-related catastrophes indicated that their mental well-being had been affected in some manner.
Meanwhile, 21% noted that an event had a considerable or moderate effect on their mental health.
Over one-third mentioned that there was insufficient mental health assistance accessible to them.
Joelle Gergis, a climate researcher at the Australian National University and author of the study, characterized the results as alarming.
“It’s distressing to realize that many Australians are enduring significant levels of anxiety related to the reality of our shifting climate.
“It highlights this hidden mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities nationwide,’’ she stated in a press release.
“We must engage in a national dialogue regarding climate change adaptation and heed the experiences of individuals who have undergone these disasters.’’
The survey was carried out in partnership with a prominent mental health support organization, Beyond Blue.
Individuals in rural and regional locations were more inclined to face flooding and bushfires compared to those in urban settings.
“By recognizing and addressing the mental health repercussions of climate change, we can cultivate stronger and more resilient communities, better equipped to withstand the challenges ahead.
“Both literal and metaphorical that lie in wait,’’ commented Grant Blashki, Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor. (Xinhua/NAN)
