Climatic shocks and environmental changes are increasingly recognised as one of the greatest threats to human health of the 21st century. Extreme weather, such as heatwaves, tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, wildfires and droughts, can trigger mental and physical ill-health. Individuals living in poor settings and rural areas are likely to be worst hit by these climatic shocks, given that many experience limited access to water, food and healthcare.
Most studies that have examined the association between climate change and worsening mental health outcomes have been done outside the continent of Africa. But there is an urgent need to enhance our understanding using data from African settings who also experience climate change shocks.
In a recent study my co-researchers from the Brain and Mind Institute and I sought nuanced insights on the effects of exposure to climate change shocks on depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. The site of study was the coastal Kilifi region, which is one of Kenya’s poorest areas. Between 2010 and 2022 this area frequently experienced drought, heatwaves and less rain. Flooding occurred in 2024, causing great human suffering.
