— about
The impacts of climate change have garnered increasing attention on the global stage. As the world faces rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation, the human dimension of this crisis is coming into sharper focus. Mental health, a fundamental aspect of human well-being, is intricately connected to climate change. However, there is very limited research into the effects of climate change on the mental health of people in Africa, and how African communities are responding to these challenges.
To remedy this, in partnership with the University of Nottingham, UK, we investigated how exposure to the impacts of climate change affects the mental health and well-being of people living in five Anglophone West African Cities - Banjul, The Gambia; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Monrovia, Liberia; Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria.
To remedy this, in partnership with the University of Nottingham, UK, we investigated how exposure to the impacts of climate change affects the mental health and well-being of people living in five Anglophone West African Cities - Banjul, The Gambia; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Monrovia, Liberia; Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria.
Scope of WACCMH
African-Led Collaborations. Rooted in local contexts and co-created by local focal organisations in each city.
Youth-Led Engagement. Empowered young people as researchers, participants and community actors.
Findings Grounded in Lived Experiences. Captures the underrepresented experiences of climate-related emotions in Africa.
Youth-Led Engagement. Empowered young people as researchers, participants and community actors.
Findings Grounded in Lived Experiences. Captures the underrepresented experiences of climate-related emotions in Africa.
Our Findings
Mental health impacts
• Increased Anxiety
• Emotional Stress & Trauma
• Grief
• Stress & Worry
• Traumatic memories
• Anger
Mental health exacerbating factors
• Flooding & Mudslides
• Sea encroachment
• Heat waves
• Rapid urbanisation & Poor urban planning
• Pollution
• Reduced responses from the Government
• Unemployment
Coping mechanisms
• Community action
• Learning
• Social support, i.e, family, friends
• Faith and Spirituality
• Creative Expression
• Relocation
• Increased Anxiety
• Emotional Stress & Trauma
• Grief
• Stress & Worry
• Traumatic memories
• Anger
Mental health exacerbating factors
• Flooding & Mudslides
• Sea encroachment
• Heat waves
• Rapid urbanisation & Poor urban planning
• Pollution
• Reduced responses from the Government
• Unemployment
Coping mechanisms
• Community action
• Learning
• Social support, i.e, family, friends
• Faith and Spirituality
• Creative Expression
• Relocation
— in partnership with
