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‘Seeing with Empty Eyes’: a systems approach to understand climate change and mental health in Bangladesh

Author

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  • Gemma Hayward

    (University of Sussex)

  • Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson

    (University of Sussex
    University of Sussex
    United Nations University Instutite for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS))

Abstract

Bangladesh’s unique climate vulnerability is well-investigated but the mental health impacts of climate change remain relatively unexplored. Three databases were searched for English primary qualitative studies published between 2000 and 2020. Out of 1202 publications, 40 met the inclusion criteria. This systematic review applies a systems approach to further understand Bangladesh’s ‘climate-wellbeing’ network. The literature indicates diverse factors linking environmental stress and mental ill-health including four key themes: (1) post-hazard mental health risks, (2) human (im)mobility, (3) social tension and conflict, and (4) livelihood loss and economic hardship. This systems analysis also revealed that people’s mental wellbeing is strongly mediated by socio-economic status and gender. The article illustrates how multiple pathways may amplify stress, anxiety, violence, and psychological damage. Greater recognition of the ‘climate-wellbeing’ connections, and incorporation of mental health in current climate action and policy frameworks, will be an effective way to achieve a more sustainable future.

Suggested Citation

  • Gemma Hayward & Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, 2021. "‘Seeing with Empty Eyes’: a systems approach to understand climate change and mental health in Bangladesh," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 165(1), pages 1-30, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:165:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s10584-021-03053-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-021-03053-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mahin Al Nahian, 2023. "Public Health Impact and Health System Preparedness within a Changing Climate in Bangladesh: A Scoping Review," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-28, January.
    2. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson & Anna Hoad & Mei L. Trueba, 2024. "‘My appetite and mind would go’: Inuit perceptions of (im)mobility and wellbeing loss under climate change across Inuit Nunangat in the Canadian Arctic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson & Noralene Uy, 2022. "Island Stories: Mapping the (im)mobility trends of slow onset environmental processes in three island groups of the Philippines," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-18, December.
    4. Kingsley S. Orievulu & Collins C. Iwuji, 2021. "Institutional Responses to Drought in a High HIV Prevalence Setting in Rural South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-11, December.

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