A report by Doctors for the Environment Australia warns that under-funded mental healthcare systems are inadequate to handle the growing demand from climate change's impacts on mental health, particularly among young people.
The report calls for substantial investment and innovation to develop a climate-resilient mental health sector, preventing further increases of mental disorders and emergency presentations.
“The new Government has the chance to leave a profound legacy, by reducing future harms to mental health by rapidly transitioning away from fossil oil, coal and gas, whilst simultaneously addressing current mental health workforce shortages, and planning for future increased mental health needs." Dr Cybele Dey, DEA spokesperson and a child and adolescent psychiatrist.