A survey found that since 2019, the majority of Australians have experienced a natural disaster firsthand.
The Climate Council released a poll of over 2,000 people on Thursday.
It was discovered that 80% of Australians had experienced at least one extreme weather event in the previous three years, with heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, and droughts being among the most common natural disasters.
51% of those affected by climate-related disasters reported that their mental health had been impacted in some way.
While 21% reported that an event had a significant or moderate impact on their mental health.
More than one-third said there was too little mental health support available to them.
Joelle Gergis, a climate scientist at the Australian National University and author of the report, described the findings as confronting.
“It’s heartbreaking to realise that many Australians are living with significant levels of distress related to the reality of our changing climate.
“It shines a light on this invisible mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities all over the country,’’ she said in a media release.
“We need to have a national conversation about climate change adaptation and listen to the experiences of people who have lived through these disasters.’’
The poll was conducted in collaboration with a leading mental health support organisation Beyond Blue.
People in rural and regional areas were more likely to experience flooding and bushfires than those in urban areas.
“By acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, better able to weather the storms.
“Both literal and figurative, that lie ahead,’’ said Grant Blashki, Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor. (Xinhua/NAN)
