COP29 experts say climate change drives suicidal thoughts among youth – ..

New Delhi : As world leaders gather to discuss global climate change at COP29 in Azerbaijan, a recent study has highlighted the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on the mental health of young people. The study, conducted by UNSW Sydney psychologists, shows a worrying link between hot weather and an increase in suicidal thoughts and behavior among young people in Australia.

The mental health of youth around the world is deteriorating and climate change is making the situation worse. Although many young people are concerned about the future of the planet, the effects of climate change are already impacting their mental health.

feeling suicidal in summer

This study focused on emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth aged 12–24 years in New South Wales. Data covering the warm months of November to March between 2012 and 2019 have shown a strong link between rising temperatures and an increase in these emergency visits.

For every 1 degree Celsius increase in daily average temperature, suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased by 1.3 percent.

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