Impact of climate change on mental health: webinar by the German and South African national academies on an emerging field of research

Leopoldina

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Extreme heat, natural disasters, food insecurity: climate change is known to have serious consequences for human physical health. In many places, scientific findings are being used to develop adaptation strategies and to mitigate the consequences of climate change for human health. But what about mental health? Research in this field is still in its early stages. As a result, climate, health and development policy also lacks strategies for prevention and treatment. To draw attention to this area of research, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) are opening the discussion in an international virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, 9 June. We cordially invite you to this event and would appreciate an announcement of this date in your medium. Leopoldina International Virtual Panel (LIVP) – in cooperation with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) “From Planetary Change to Psychological Impact: Understanding and Responding to the Mental Health Effects of Climate Change” Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 12 noon to 1:15 p.m. (CEST) Online via Zoom Climate-related stressors can affect mental health both directly and indirectly. They frequently interact with existing social inequalities and increase the vulnerability of population groups that are already marginalised. In the webinar, experts from medicine, psychology, and geography will provide an overview of the links between climate change and mental health. They will also discuss specific interdisciplinary perspectives from South Africa and Germany and consider which aspects of mental health could be integrated into climate and health strategies. The panellists are: Professor Dr Caradee Wright, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria/South Africa Professor Dr Frauke Kraas, University of Cologne/Germany Professor Dr Simone Kühn, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin/Germany Professor Dr Tholene Sodi, University of Limpopo in Polokwane/South Africa The webinar is aimed at all those with a professional interest in the topic. It will take place online via Zoom and will be held in English. Further information about the event and the link for the required registration can be found at: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/publications-and-dates/events/detail/from-planetary-change-to-psychological-impact-understanding-and-responding-to-the-mental-health-effects-of-climate-change The webinar is being held in preparation for the joint workshop “Climate Change and Mental Health: Comparative Risk Pathways, Vulnerability, and Resilience”, which ASSAf and the Leopoldina will host in South Africa from 8 to 10 September: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/publications-and-dates/events/detail/climate-change-and-mental-health-comparative-risk-pathways-vulnerability-and-resilience The Leopoldina works closely with the South African Academy of Sciences (ASSAf). Together they promote scientific exchange, organise symposia and workshops and participate in international networks. Further information: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/tasks/networking/global-partners/south-africa Journalist would like to attend should register by email at presse@leopoldina.org.   All events of the Leopoldina International Virtual Panel Series (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaCuDJ8AkAoMm2LcRTOEImcfW2L3IcBiJ About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.