Climate

How is disability mortality influenced by climate?

people with disabilities are 4x more likely to die or sustain serious injuries in an environmental disaster

climate anxiety

heightened emotional, mental, or somatic distress in response to dangerous changes in the climate system (APA, 2020)

eco-anxiety

chronic fear of environmental doom (APA)

What is the prevalence of eco-anxiety?

68% of adults, 48% of young adults; higher rates in younger adults with pre-existing mental health conditions

What are the indirect impacts of climate change?

property damage, property loss of value due to location, threats to occupation, involuntary displacement, increasing levels of food insecurity

What are the determinants of vulnerability?

exposure (contact with stressors), sensitivity (degree of affectedness), and adaptive capacity (ability to adjust to hazards, take advantage of opportunities, or respond to consequences)

How does the CDC/ATSDR SVI categorize vulnerable groups?

socioeconomic status (below 150% poverty, unemployed, housing cost burden, no HS diploma, no health insurance), household characteristics (age over 65 or below 17, disability, single-parent household, english language ability), racial and ethnic minority status, housing type and transportation (multi-unit structures, mobile homes, crowding, no vehicle, group quarters)

How does disability impact perception of climate change?

individuals with cognitive impairments / underdeveloped coping skills may present with increased risk of heightened anxiety, depression, worsening cognitive function, interpersonal aggression, and other mental health impacts

What are the climate change-related challenges faced by vulnerable populations?

difficulty adapting after an adverse environmental event (damaged infrastructure at home, traversing the community, barriers accessing critical information and resources, physical environmental barriers) or with short-term suggested mitigation efforts (pre-disaster prep, ability to unplug appliances, purchasing equipment like generators)

What possible issues arise for vulnerable populations during crisis management?

accessibility of evacuations (transportation, mass evacuations, heat), community preparedness (accessibility of shelters, lack of mental health services, institutionalization of people with disabilities)

How does heat exposure put vulnerable populations at risk?

widespread power outages, hazardous air quality, surge in heat-related illnesses, having to relocate to a hospital to receive care, inability to regulate temperature, impact on medications

What are the impacts of climate change on mental health in vulnerable populations?

inability of mental health systems to cope with widespread need, correlation of climate disasters with worsened mental health, hesitation to have children

How can OTs encourage clients to take action in regards to climate change?

educating, promoting resilience, and empowering; private actions (emergency checklist, noting important numbers, reviewing action plans, role play, stockpile provisions, back-up equipment, community resources) and public actions (community clean-ups, demonstrations, working with legislators)

How do OTs prepare themselves to help vulnerable populations dealing with climate change?

understanding their own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives on climate change; understanding how climate issues resonate with people; taking client concerns seriously and addressing them appropriately