29/09/2026
Ottawa, Ontario — Tuesday September 29, 2026
Climate change is affecting more than our homes and communities. It is also affecting mental health. Yet without consistent measurement, it can be difficult to understand the true scope of these impacts.
A new study led by Richard Webster and the CHEO Research Institute Climate Care Lab examined how mental health impacts are being measured following climate-related extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, and extreme heat. This is especially important for adolescents who exhibit high rates of climate-anxiety.
The team analyzed 154 studies across 29 countries, identifying 188 mental health outcomes. PTSD, depression, and anxiety were the most frequently reported – but researchers identified 130 different approaches to measuring these impacts, highlighting how differently mental health outcomes are assessed following extreme weather events. This lack of consistency makes it harder to compare findings, track trends over time, and understand where support is needed most.
“Peoples’ health are being affected by climate change hazards right now! My parents’ house was devastated by flooding this summer. While climate-health risks are knocking at the door today, it’s encouraging that CHEO Research is building global climate solutions for tomorrow” -Richard Webster
By identifying opportunities for greater consistency, this research can help strengthen climate and mental health reporting at local, national, and international levels, including efforts such as the United Nations-endorsed Standards for Official Statistics on Climate-Health Interactions (SOSCHI) initiative, where Richard sits on the governance and scientific expert committee. A clearer understanding of these impacts is an important step toward improving how researchers, health care providers, and policymakers monitor and respond to the human health impacts of climate change.