Climate Change and Human Well-Being: Global Challenges and Opportunities (International and Cultural Psychology)

Although climate change is mainly caused in industrialized nations, the impact of climate change has spread across the globe, among developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable populations. While the public health effects of environmental degradation and the resulting natural disasters are well-known, less is understood about their mental health impact and psychosocial well-being, and what types of interventions may best minimize the damage. __Climate Change and Human Well-Being__ identifies the psychological responses and mental health impacts that accompany gradual environmental change and extreme weather events, and explains how climate change exacerbates existing inequities. Painstakingly researched, with extensive worldwide findings and instructive examples from the experiences of those affected by climate-change, this groundbreaking volume also examines the potential for collaboration among diverse sectors of society in responding to environmental crisis. Experts provide guidance for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the humanitarian aid community as they: * Explain the relationship between environmental crisis, socioeconomic stressors, and psychological distress . * Discuss the impact of acute and chronic extreme weather conditions on mental health and well-being. * Analyze the short-and long-term effects of climate change on specific populations, and environmental refugees. * Identify implications of climate change for peace, conflict, and stability. * Demonstrate the importance of cultural competence in relief efforts. * Include recommendations at the local, national, and global levels. __Climate Change and Human Well-Being__ offers cross-cultural psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and professionals in related fields a greater understanding of complex issues, and new opportunities to engage in the emerging dialogue within and across the disciplines. Climate Change Is Increasing The Severity Of Disasters And Adverse Weather Conditions Worldwide, With Particularly Devastating Effects On Developing Countries And On Individuals With Lower Resources. Climate Change Is Likely To Impact Mental Health And Psychosocial Well-being Via Multiple Pathways, Leading To New Challenges. Direct Effects Such As Gradual Environmental Changes, Higher Temperatures, And Natural Disasters, Are Likely To Lead To More Indirect Consequences Such As Social And Economic Stressors, Population Displacement, And Conflict. Climate Change, Largely The Product Of Industrialized Nations, Is Projected To Magnify Existing Inequalities And To Impact The Most Vulnerable, Including Those With Low Resources, Individuals Living In Developing Countries And Specific Populations Such As Women, Children And Those With Pre-existing Disabilities. This Book Outlines Areas Of Impact On Human Well Being, Consider Specific Populations, And Shed Light On Mitigating The Impact Of Climate Change. Recommendations Discuss Ways Of Strengthening Community Resilience, Building On Local Capacities, Responding To Humanitarian Crises, As Well As Conducting Research And Evaluation Projects In Diverse Settings. Ch. 1. Introduction : Climate Change And Human Well-being / Inka Weissbecker -- Part I. The Impact Of Climate Change -- Ch. 2. The Threat Of Climate Change : Psychological Response, Adaptation, And Impacts / Joseph P. Reser, Shirley A. Morrissey, And Michelle Ellul -- Ch. 3. Chronic Environmental Change : Emerging 'psychoterratic' Syndromes / Glenn Albrecht -- Ch. 4. Extreme Weather-related Events : Implications For Mental Health And Well-being / David M. Simpson, Inka Weissbecker, And Sandra E. Sephton -- Ch. 5. Humanitarian Crisis : The Need For Cultural Competence And Local Capacity Building / Inka Weissbecker And Jennifer Czincz -- Ch. 6. Security And Conflict : The Impact Of Climate Change / Chad Michael Briggs And Inka Weissbecker -- Part Ii. Specific Populations -- Ch. 7. Women And Climate Change : Vulnerabilities And Challenges / Anita L. Wenden -- Ch. 8. Climate Change Refugees / Michael Hollifield, Mind Thompson Fullilove, And Stevan E. Hobfoll -- Part Iii. Guidance And Recommendations -- Ch. 9. Resilience, Spirituality And Postraumatic Growth : Reshaping The Effects Of Climate Change / Tamasin Ramsay And Lenore Manderson -- Ch. 10. Climate Change, Resilience And Transformation : Challenges And Opportunities For Local Communities / Taegen Edwards And John Wiseman -- Ch. 11. Conclusions : Implications For Practice, Policy, And Further Research / Inka Weissbecker. Inka Weissbecker, Editor. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Introduction: Climate Change and Human Well-Being....Pages 1-15 Front Matter....Pages 17-17 The Threat of Climate Change: Psychological Response, Adaptation, and Impacts....Pages 19-42 Chronic Environmental Change: Emerging ‘Psychoterratic’ Syndromes....Pages 43-56 Extreme Weather-Related Events: Implications for Mental Health and Well-Being....Pages 57-78 Humanitarian Crises: The Need for Cultural Competence and Local Capacity Building....Pages 79-96 Security and Conflict: The Impact of Climate Change....Pages 97-116 Front Matter....Pages 117-117 Women and Climate Change: Vulnerabilities and Challenges....Pages 119-133 Climate Change Refugees....Pages 135-162 Front Matter....Pages 163-163 Resilience, Spirituality and Posttraumatic Growth: Reshaping the Effects of Climate Change....Pages 165-184 Climate Change, Resilience and Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for Local Communities....Pages 185-200 Conclusions: Implications for Practice, Policy, and Further Research....Pages 201-209 Back Matter....Pages 211-220