Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia

Title
Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia
Publication Date
2026-07
Author(s)
Brymer, Eric
Willis, Royce
Bennett, Bindi
Sharma-Brymer, Vinathe
Gould, Gillian
Lykins, Amy
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2930-3964
Email: alykins@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:alykins
Batterham, Philip
Usher, Kim
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9686-5003
Email: kusher@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kusher
Leach, Matthew
Rogers, Marg
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8407-7256
Email: mbaber@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:mbaber
Clark, Helen
McCubbery, Kate
Charlson, Fiona
Lake, Warren
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Place of publication
France
DOI
10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100702
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/74606
Abstract

Australians living in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities face unique climate change impacts that exacerbate both financial and mental health challenges. These communities are disproportionately affected due to their dependence on natural resources for economic well-being and their geographical isolation, which limits access to services. Additionally, poorly designed policies and systems often overlook the specific needs of RRR communities, compounding their vulnerability. This paper highlights the importance of developing culturally responsive and context-specific interventions, co-designed with local communities, to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change. We propose a conceptual framework for sustainable, community-led policy solutions that enhance social and emotional well-being and foster long-term resilience in RRR communities. The focus is on integrating traditional ecological knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive strategies to address unique vulnerabilities.

Link
Citation
The Journal of Climate Change and Health, v.30, p. 1-7
ISSN
2667-2782
Start page
1
End page
7
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International

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