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Extreme Weather, Vulnerable Populations, and Mental Health: The Timely Role of AI Interventions

Author

Listed:
  • Mehak Batra

    (Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Bircan Erbas

    (Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

Abstract

Environmental disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations who face compounded risks due to intersectional factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, rural residence, and cultural identity. These events exacerbate mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and underserved areas of high-income countries (HICs). Addressing these disparities necessitates inclusive, culturally competent, intersectional, and cost-effective strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents transformative potential for delivering scalable and culturally tailored mental health interventions that account for these vulnerabilities. This perspective highlights the importance of co-designing AI tools with at-risk populations, integrating these solutions into disaster management frameworks, and ensuring their sustainability through research, training, and policy support. By embedding mental health resilience into climate adaptation strategies, stakeholders can foster equitable recovery and reduce the long-term mental health burden of environmental disasters.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehak Batra & Bircan Erbas, 2025. "Extreme Weather, Vulnerable Populations, and Mental Health: The Timely Role of AI Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:602-:d:1632880
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joana Cruz & Piran C. L. White & Andrew Bell & Peter A. Coventry, 2020. "Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health: A Narrative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis for the UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Fernando I. Rivera & Sara Belligoni & Veronica Arroyo Rodriguez & Sophia Chapdelaine & Varun Nannuri & Ashley Steen Burgos, 2024. "Compound Crises: The Impact of Emergencies and Disasters on Mental Health Services in Puerto Rico," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(10), pages 1-10, September.
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