The Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at BRAC University is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change. During COP29, C3ER underscored the often-overlooked issue of climate change’s impact on mental health, reaffirming its commitment to comprehensive climate resilience. On November 19, 2024, C3ER hosted a side event in collaboration with BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (BJPGSPH)-BRAC University, Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW), the Swedish Embassy in Bangladesh and the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, University of Dundee titled “Climate Change Induced Mental Health Problems among Coastal Populations of Bangladesh” at the Bangladesh Pavilion.
The discussion shed light on the intricate relationship between climate change and psychological well-being, a focal area of research and advocacy at the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER). Ms. Roufa Khanum, Assistant Director of C3ER, welcomed attendees to a side event featuring discussions on climate change-induced mental health issues in Bangladesh’s coastal populations and climate-adaptive agriculture for food security. Esteemed experts, including the Chief Guest Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, shared insights to promote evidence-based, collaborative solutions. The keynote speech by Ms. Sharmin Nahar Nipa, Coordinator (Research and Capacity Development) at C3ER, provided a profound and sobering perspective on the far-reaching impacts of climate change, extending beyond physical destruction to the psychological toll it imposes on affected populations. She emphasised that while the devastation of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods is often immediately visible, the emotional and mental health consequences are equally severe yet frequently overlooked.
The side event shed light on the impact of climate change during a panel discussion. The panellist provided their valuable insights on the issue. The personal experiences shared by Ms. Kunnuru Duishobekova, Project Assistant at the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education “EdNet” and COP29 PYCC Youth Climate Delegate from Kyrgyzstan, resonated with the challenges faced by communities in Bangladesh. Mr. Dharitri Kumar Sarkar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), highlighted the importance of incorporating psychosocial resilience into Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan. Ms. Dr. Emma Lawrance, ClimateCares Centre Lead and Policy Fellow for Mental Health at the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, emphasised the global research disparity that often overlooks the mental health impacts on vulnerable nations. Mr. Dr. Nandan Mukherjee, Lead (Climate Change and Adaptation) at the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, University of Dundee, and Adjunct Research Fellow at C3ER, BRAC University, moderated the panel discussion. Dr. Mukherjee said we live in a world of unprecedented loss and damage. The stark reality is that climate change doesn’t only take lives and destroy homes; it also deeply affects the mental health and emotional well-being of communities on the ground.
The Honourable Chief Guest, Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Honorable Advisor at MoEFCC, graced the side event and she underscored the grave consequences of exceeding the 1.5°C global temperature threshold, calling for systemic and integrated solutions to address climate change-induced mental health risks. Honourable Chair of the event, Professor Ainun Nishat, Adviser and Professor Emeritus of C3ER, shared his valuable experiences recalling the psychological trauma following the 1991 cyclone, stressing the necessity of integrating mental health considerations into disaster response strategies.
