IASP is pleased to announce the launch of a new Special Interest Group (SIG) on Climate Change and Suicidality, co-chaired by Professor Kairi Kõlves, Dr Lennart Reifels, and Dr Luke Bayliss.
Climate change is the greatest global health challenge of the 21st century, with rising temperatures and extreme weather increasingly affecting communities worldwide. Emerging research suggests these impacts may also contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, making it essential to investigate these links to inform public health responses. The effects are anticipated to be particularly acute in low and middle-income countries, where populations often face higher climate vulnerability with fewer mental health resources.
This Special Interest Group is dedicated to advancing understanding of this issue and leading efforts to develop knowledge on how climate change influences suicide risk. A key aim is to foster international research collaborations to better understand the links between climate change and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The group will disseminate its findings to raise awareness of the suicide-related impacts of climate change and build an international network of experts to advocate for integrating suicide prevention into climate-related policies. Additionally, it will establish an online hub to support knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
If you are a member of IASP interested in this space and would like to contribute to advancing understanding and action about climate change and suicidality, we invite you to get involved.
