Climate Change and Brain Health
Why We Should Care and What We Can Do
Burcin Ikiz, PhD
12 June 2024
Afretec Summer School on Healthcare, Cairo, Egypt
© Author(s). Slide 1
9-12 June 2024
Climate change is today’s biggest global health threat
“The climate crisis is a health crisis, but for too long, health has been a footnote in climate discussions,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
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“Africa has the most vulnerable communities in the world for climate change,” Dr Chris Lennard, a climatologist from the University of Cape Town
State of the Climate in Africa 2022 Report, World Meteorological Organization
Africa emits little but suffers greatly from climate change
Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative’s Annual Country Index, 2024
Climate change’s multifaceted impact on health
“We have known for a very long time how the environment we inhabit drastically impacts the human brain. However, we are just starting to understand how the changing climate is negatively impacting the human brain.” Kimberly Doell, PhD, University of Vienna
Walter et al., 2016, "The neurological and cognitive consequences of hyperthermia," Crit Care, 20: 199-199.
Deryugina et al., 2014, "Does the Environment Still Matter? Daily Temperature and Income in the United States," NBER Working Paper, 20750.
Thompson et al., 2018, "Associations between high ambient temperatures and heat waves with mental health outcomes: a systematic review," Public Health, 161:171-191.
Davis et al., 2018, "Thermoregulatory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis," Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 157: 701-714.
Excessive heat can cause severe damage to our brains
Iaccarino et al., 2021, "Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Positivity in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment," JAMA Neurol, 78(2):197–207.
Harris et al., 2015, "Prenatal and Childhood Traffic-Related Pollution Exposure and Childhood Cognition in the Project Viva Cohort," Environ Health Perspect, 123(10):1072-8.
Zundel et al., 2022, "Air pollution, depressive and anxiety disorders, and brain effects: A systematic review," Neurotoxicology, 93: 272-300.
Air pollution can have a lifelong impact on our brains
WHO Air Pollution Report, 2019
The threat of vector-borne diseases
Photo credit: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters
Warming waters and toxic algae
Ryan et al., 2019, "Global expansion and redistribution of Aedes-borne virus transmission risk with climate change," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 13 (3): e0007213.
Chapra et al., 2017, "Climate Change Impacts on Harmful Algal Blooms in U.S. Freshwaters: A Screening-Level Assessment," Environmental Science & Technology, 51 (16): 8933-8943.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2022, "Human Health Effects Caused by the Most Common Toxin-producing Cyanobacteria."
Dunlop et al., 2021, "Is Exposure to BMAA a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Response to a Critical Review of the BMAA Hypothesis," Neurotox Res, 39: 81–106.
- Climate change-induced droughts -> Food scarcity -> Nutrient deprivation
- Early malnutrition -> Neurodevelopmental delays -> Brain stunting, cognitive and behavioral issues
Food scarcity and malnutrition
Climate change’s impact on mental health
Exposure to extreme weather events and pollution increases risks of:
But there is hope...
Graphic Source: DALL-E
The Clean Air Act: a milestone in public health policy
EPA, Progress Cleaning the Air Report, 2021
What we can do
Research | Advocacy | Policy |
- Expand evidence based through more focused research and funding - Establish interdisciplinary partnerships and collaborations - Create a research agenda for gaps of knowledge | - Mobilize community leaders, health professionals, and environmental groups to raise awareness - Launch education campaigns to inform the public and policymakers | - Develop and enforce health policies that incorporate early neurological and mental screenings and interventions in response to climate-related health risks. - Integrate brain health considerations into national and global climate adaptation strategies - Promote sustainable development policies that reduce environmental risk factors - Build resilience into the healthcare system |
Who We Are
The NCWG is a global interdisciplinary community comprising scientists, clinicians, policy experts, and climate advocates focused on the crucial intersection of climate change and brain health. With a dynamic range of expertise spanning from neuroscience to epidemiology, we are applying diverse perspectives to address the varied impacts of our environment on the neurological and mental well-being of all people in all countries. We are committed to innovative research and effective advocacy to build the evidence base and translate knowledge into concrete actions at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
58+
members
17+
countries
9+
fields
Our Mission
To advance understanding and address the impact of climate change on brain health through innovative research, informed advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We strive to integrate neuroscience with environmental science to explore how climate-related factors influence neurological function and mental well-being, aiming to improve public health outcomes globally.
Our Vision
To be at the forefront of bridging neuroscience and environmental science, shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. We envision a world where policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public are well-informed about the neurological and mental consequences of climate change, enabling them to make decisions that protect brain health and promote environmental resilience. Our efforts seek to catalyze global action that mitigates climate impact on human health and fosters an enduring commitment to the well-being of all communities.
Interested in joining our group? Register here
Wanna connect?
Email me at burcin@econeuro.org
Follow @EcoNeuroOrg