WASHINGTON — Following is a statement by Frank C. Worrell, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which addresses human-induced climate change and warns that those least able to cope are being hardest hit:
“As this report articulates, the harms of climate change are far-reaching and severe. Psychology as a discipline can help people and communities adapt to these impacts and become more resilient. Psychologists also have the scientific knowledge to help create technologies that will address global warming, and the strategies to help get them adopted.
“Psychologists play an important role in conveying accurate information about climate change and its effects, and in advocating for sound climate policy and social change. The American Psychological Association has made numerous recommendations for addressing climate change in recent years. We stand ready to marshal our expertise and work with other organizations and communities to address these challenges together.”
APA and psychology have long worked on issues related to climate change. The APA Task Force on Climate Change released a report, “Addressing the Climate Crisis: An Action Plan for Psychologistsopens in new window,” on Feb. 28, which says that the discipline of psychology must strengthen its capacity to address climate change and collaborate with other fields and sectors for maximal impact. APA and ecoAmerica also released a joint report, “Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Inequities, and Responsesopens in new window,” in November 2021, which found that climate change, in addition to impacts on physical health, is taking a significant toll on human mental health worldwide.