This article in the Philadephia Inquirer has a good description of how climate change affects us, from air pollution to PTSD to sleep disturbances and diminished mental performance to intergroup conflict and migration.
Right now, the city of New Delhi is experiencing severe air pollution problems. Residents of the city are advised to stay indoors with windows closed or wear N95 or P100 masks when they go outside, and schools have had to be closed twice. In addition to the health problems caused by air pollution, the emotional stress of not being able to carry out their daily routine is also taking a toll on people. Around the world, 7 million people die from air pollution every year.
In the U.S., extreme weather is linked to worse mental health. Heatwaves are associated with increased risk of suicide, and an extreme weather event such as a hurricane or wildfire is associated with PTSD and depression. Right now people in California who lost their homes to wildfires 2 years ago are facing the same losses due to current wildfires.
The world has gotten to this place because of greenhouse gases, which mostly come from burning fossil fuels. In addition to climate change, many greenhouse gases can cause health effects from direct exposure to the pollutant.
In spite of what is happening, taking positive steps can boost our emotional wellbeing. Cities, counties, states, and the federal government can implement policies that curb climate change and build resilience. Corporations can exceed regulatory standards. Individuals can reduce their carbon foot print by conserving, insulating, recycling. And when we (individual, corporate, or government) talk about what we are doing, it helps everyone and reduces level of emotional stress. It boosts our wellbeing to know we are doing something.
If you want to see a map of the world and find air pollution in a specific city such as New Delhi or a geographic area, this is a good link. You can search for specific cities, or just zoom in or out or scroll around to move locations:
http://aqicn.org/city/delhi/
