The impacts of climate change have garnered increasing attention on the global stage. As the world grapples with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation, the human dimension of this crisis is coming into sharper focus. Mental health, a fundamental aspect of human well-being, is intricately connected to climate change. However, there is very limited research into the effects of climate change on the mental health of people in Africa, and how African communities are responding to these challenges.
In an attempt to remedy this, SustyVibes in partnership with the University of Nottingham, UK, set out to investigate how exposure to the impacts of climate change affects the mental health and well-being of people living in five Anglophone West African Cities – Banjul, The Gambia; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Monrovia, Liberia; Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria
This ambitious research project, led by SustyVibes, yielded critical insights into the relationship between climate change impacts and mental well-being across the five cities. Through semi-structured interviews with ten individuals in each city, the findings offer a profound understanding of the local environmental challenges and the direct consequences of climate change on people’s lives.
In Accra, the research revealed that increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns have been a source of significant distress and emotional turmoil among the participants. Heatwaves, particularly during the dry season, have made sleep nearly impossible for some, leaving individuals fatigued and drained. Furthermore, our participants described how irregular rainfall and heavy storms have disrupted their livelihoods, causing economic hardships and emotional stress. The emotional burden extends to feelings of vulnerability and helplessness, with residents facing the daunting task of adapting to these changing climatic conditions. Accra’s story highlights the critical importance of addressing the mental health dimensions of climate change, with individuals in this city grappling with the emotional toll of environmental challenges.
Research findings in Banjul shed light on the profound impacts residents live through. Participants on this island were acutely aware of the environmental changes they witnessed, including increased air pollution, habitat loss, mangrove depletion, sea level rise, and unpredictable weather patterns. However, the standout revelation is the recurring and severe flooding due to rising sea levels, which has disrupted daily life, caused property damage, and led to food scarcity. The participants’ vivid accounts of their experiences, such as being unable to access the market or leaving their homes during flooding, paint a stark picture of the challenges they face. Additionally, the emotional and mental toll on residents is clear, with feelings of fear, worry, anxiety, and stress being prevalent responses to these environmental challenges.
In Freetown, the interviews reveal that the city grapples with pressing environmental issues, including heavy rains and recurrent flooding. These challenges have led to loss of lives, displacement, property loss, and a sense of insecurity among the participants. The emotional toll is striking, with fear, anxiety, and distress significantly affecting people’s mental well-being. When describing how they cope, participants highlighted the vital role of social support (friends and family) and a strong sense of community in coping with these challenges, showcasing their resilience in the face of the environmental adversity they confront.
Lagos presents a nuanced perspective, with participants expressing a growing environmental consciousness. They acknowledged the anthropogenic causes of climate change, recognizing the detrimental effects of activities like deforestation and waste pollution. What is particularly striking is their proactive response to these challenges. Many have engaged in activities like afforestation, advocating for environmental sustainability, and educating their communities about climate change. This highlights a growing sense of responsibility and a commitment to mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. However, they mentioned the increasing heat and irregular weather patterns as sources of distress, leaving some individuals grappling with anxiety and emotional unease. The responses from residents in Lagos reflected a deep connection between environmental well-being and the mental health of Lagosians.
In Monrovia, participants reported significant changes in their environment, they highlighted frequent and intense storms, heavy rainfall, and erratic weather patterns. Participants complained that these shifts have disrupted normal daily life, leaving residents struggling to adapt to the unpredictable climate, particularly the alteration in the timing of the rainy season. On the mental well-being side, residents expressed that they had been significantly affected by these environmental challenges, with emotional distress, anxiety, and fear as recurring themes. Some recounted distressing memories of past environmental events of lost properties, lives, injuries and illnesses, which continue to haunt them.
This research contributes to developing a systematic body of knowledge on the myriad ways in which the climate crisis translates to a mental health and well-being challenge for Africans. The findings illustrate the mental health consequences of climate change in urban West Africa, where the narratives of citizens convey palpable feelings of anxiety, fear, and distress, resulting from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation. The insights gained from this research underscore the importance of a holistic approach to climate change, and are instrumental for future investigations in Africa, guiding the development of strategies and policies that not only tackle the environmental challenges posed by climate change but also prioritize the mental well-being of communities.