Climate change: More than heat! Students suffer from anxiety

Climate change: More than heat! Students suffer from anxiety

In today's world, climate change is a topic that probably doesn't seem new to you. A recently published article by Hamburg.de shows that the effects of global warming not only place a great strain on nature, but also on our health. Mental health in particular is suffering from climate change. This is also shown by the alarming results of a survey by the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), according to which almost half of the students suffer from climate-related fear.

Climate change is causing more intense heat waves and more frequent extreme precipitation, which not only changes the weather but also directly impacts our psyche. These extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, cause enormous psychological stress for many people. The study “Climate Change and Student Health” (KLIM MENT) shows that the stressful everyday life at many universities is also made worse by the constant confrontation with the consequences of climate change.

Psychological stress caused by extremes

But what is it that really bothers us? Loud PMC Climate change can lead to an increase in mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. New syndromes, such as climate anxiety or solastalgia, are looming. Solastalgia describes the feeling of mourning for lost living space and particularly affects those people who experience changes in their familiar surroundings. A direct consequence is emotional reactions such as helplessness, which are triggered by the constant threat of natural disasters.

The effects are often drastic. Heat waves, for example, not only lead to physical health risks, but can even increase the propensity for violence and suicide rates. Many experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Katrina. The pressure on mental health is further increased by the predicted economic crises, food shortages and migration that often accompany these changes.

Resources for the future

How can this be counteracted? Experts recommend strengthening preventive measures in psychiatric care. Federal Environment Agency points out that not all people are equally affected by the psychological consequences. It is therefore important to identify risk groups and create appropriate offers. Psychiatric training and further education must also be expanded to include knowledge about climate change and its health consequences.

Another step in the right direction could be the focus on climate-friendly measures in psychiatric care. The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DGPPN), for example, has committed to climate neutrality by 2030 and is calling for adaptation to the challenges of climate change.

On June 23, 2025, the results of the HAW study will be presented as part of an online event from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registrations are already possible. From July 1, 2025, a detailed article on the HAW study will be published on “Science made in Hamburg”.

Keep an eye on these topics, because climate change is not only an environmental problem, but also a health problem for society as a whole - and we are all called upon to work on it!