Climate change can lead to a range of mental health and well-being impacts, including increased anxiety and depression, reduced sense of place and belonging, and heightened feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Climate change can have a range of social impacts on communities, including displacement and migration, increased social inequality, and disruption of traditional livelihoods.

Community psychology can contribute to addressing the psychological and social impacts of climate change by promoting community resilience and adaptation, facilitating community-based interventions, and advocating for climate justice and policy change.

Community resilience in the context of climate change encompasses the ability of a community to withstand and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses, the capacity of a community to adapt to and thrive in a changing climate, and the collective efforts of a community to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Community-based interventions for addressing the psychological and social impacts of climate change can include community-based mental health and well-being programs, climate change education and awareness campaigns, and community-led adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.

Climate justice in the context of community psychology encompasses the fair and equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate change, the recognition of the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, and the advocacy for policies and actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Community psychologists can advocate for climate justice and policy change by conducting research on the psychological and social impacts of climate change, partnering with community organizations and policymakers, and engaging in public education and awareness campaigns.

Community psychologists face a number of challenges in addressing the psychological and social impacts of climate change, including limited resources and funding, lack of political will and support, and the complexity and urgency of the climate crisis.

It is important for community psychologists to address the psychological and social impacts of climate change because climate change is a major threat to human health and well-being, climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, and community psychologists have a unique role to play in promoting resilience and adaptation.

Community psychologists have a number of opportunities to make a difference in addressing the psychological and social impacts of climate change, including collaborating with other disciplines and sectors, developing innovative interventions and strategies, and advocating for policies and systems change.