Many indigenous communities run the risk of developing anxiety and depression as a result of climate change. They frequently live in areas that are heavily impacted, such as the Inuit peoples of Northern Canada and Greenland, which are seeing the effects of global warming in melting ice caps. In addition, climate change can remove important livelihood and cultural components of indigenous life, such as the death of sea animals that are a staple food source. 

Georgetown University

While climate change affects large portions of the global population, it is thought to cause the greatest mental disruption to communities that rely heavily on natural resources. These communities will face the largest impacts from global warming and adverse weather events, and run the risk of being unable to sustain their lifestyles. Two examples of communities at high risk from suffering mental disorders as a result of climate change are agricultural farmers and indigenous communities.

At-Risk Communities for Climate Change and Mental Health Disorders

Shuquan Chen, Rohini Bagrodia, Charlotte C. Pfeffer, Laura Meli, George A. Bonanno,
Anxiety and resilience in the face of natural disasters associated with climate change: A review and methodological critique, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Volume 76, 2020, 102297, ISSN 0887-6185, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102297.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618520301110)

Climate Change and Anxiety Reference

Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Communities

Across the world, farmers and agricultural specialists rely on seasonal temperature and precipitation cycles to grow and sustain their produce. Climate change can cause crop-killing heatwaves and freezes, as well as destructive hurricanes and tornadoes that can wipe out a whole year's turnout in one day. The volatility and struggle faced by agricultural farmers as a result of climate change puts them at risk for severe anxiety and depression.

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