Article Published: 6/5/2025
INTRODUCTION: This document explores the impacts of climate change on professional counseling practices and provides recommendations to enhance federal policy and regulatory support for the counseling profession.
DEFINING CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate change describes the long-term alterations in global weather patterns and temperatures. While natural factors like solar activity can cause these changes, research shows that human activities have become the primary driver over the past 100 years. The main culprit is the burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas. These fuels release greenhouse gases that create a heat-trapping layer around Earth, similar to a blanket, leading to rising global temperatures.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MENTAL HEALTH: Research shows that climate change affects mental health in multiple ways. Extreme weather events can trigger anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). High temperatures have been linked to mood changes, worsening behavioral issues, and increased suicide rates, particularly affecting those already struggling with mental health. Many people experience ongoing distress about climate change itself, known as climate anxiety.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECO-ANXIETY: Climate change can take a significant toll on mental health in several ways. People may experience “solastalgia”—the distress felt when environmental changes damage places they love. They might also suffer from eco-anxiety or climate anxiety: an ongoing fear about environmental disasters and worry about the future of both current and future generations.
FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS: The federal government introduced over 35 consequential actions between 2021 and 2024. The most important climate action to date was the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022, the most comprehensive climate legislation the United States has ever seen. The law invests hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy, electric vehicles, environmental justice, and more.
KEY FEDERAL AREAS OF CLIMATE FOCUS EFFORTS: Transitioning to clean energy sources like solar and wind power, electrifying transportation with electric vehicles, improving energy efficiency in buildings, reducing emissions from industrial sectors, managing land use for carbon sequestration, adapting to climate impacts like sea level rise, and promoting climate resilience across federal agencies. The goal of these efforts by the Biden Administration were to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by mid-century. However, the new administration has taken several actions concerning emissions, primarily focusing on rolling back regulations and promoting fossil fuel production,
WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVES: Executive orders have funded initiatives aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. These initiatives include reducing wasteful methane emissions, establishing bold targets for expanding domestic nuclear energy, doubling the number of scalable clean baseload power sources by rapidly commercializing geothermal energy, and accelerating clean energy deployment and decarbonization in the power and industrial sectors.
CONGRESSIONAL CLIMATE TASK FORCES AND CAUCUSES: Key groups that focus on climate issues are the Climate Solutions Caucus; New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force; National Climate Task Force; and Sustainability Energy and Environment Coalition, which includes five task forces on Climate and Agriculture, Clean Energy Deployment, Nature and Oceans, Climate Jobs, and Climate and National Security.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:
To create a climate-smart mental health care system, policymakers should consider environmental impacts in every decision. This approach requires several key steps:
evaluating how climate change affects mental health
reducing health care’s carbon footprint and preparing for disasters
protecting at-risk communities
The strategy also involves broader changes to health care delivery, including:
improving population-level care.
building resilient facilities.
upgrading data systems.
training health care workers in climate-related health issues.
developing sustainable funding models.
CONCLUSION: Climate change impacts the mental health of individuals and whole communities. This is a call to action for professional counselors to become involved in responding to the mental health issues due to climate change and point out the opportunities available to make a difference not only for clients, but on policy initiatives, research, and advocacy.
A strategic approach to funding programs that tackle climate impacts, mental health, and inequality could involve prioritizing “climate resilience initiatives” in vulnerable communities, focusing on preventative mental health support, and integrating environmental justice principles into all programs, thereby addressing multiple issues simultaneously through a holistic lens.
Key Elements of This Strategy
Implement preventative mental health programs, such as:
climate preparedness education: Provide workshops and outreach campaigns to educate communities on potential climate risks and coping mechanisms to mitigate stress and anxiety.
stress management training: Implement accessible mental health programs focused on building resilience and coping skills.
community support networks: Facilitate the development of peer support systems within vulnerable communities.
Introduce climate adaptation projects with mental health considerations, such as:
green infrastructure development: Prioritize projects that improve environmental quality while creating community green spaces, offering opportunities with mental health benefits like outdoor recreation.
disaster preparedness planning: Integrate mental health support into disaster response plans to provide immediate access to counseling and crisis intervention.
climate-resilient housing: Support initiatives to improve housing stock in vulnerable areas with features that mitigate climate risks and promote mental well-being.
Examples of programs that could be funded under this approach include providing a hub for climate education, mental health support, and disaster preparedness training within vulnerable communities and creating employment opportunities in climate-related sectors while providing mental health support for workers.
By strategically integrating climate change mitigation, mental health promotion, and equity considerations into funding decisions, communities can build resilience to climate impacts while simultaneously addressing mental health needs and reducing inequalities.
Note: The information in this document reflects the known actions and stated priorities of the current presidential administration as of the date of publication.
Climate change describes the long-term alterations in global weather patterns and temperatures. While natural factors like solar activity can cause these changes, research shows that human activities have become the primary driver over the past 100 years. The main culprit is the burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas. These fuels release greenhouse gases that create a heat-trapping layer around Earth, similar to a blanket, leading to rising global temperatures.
Over the past 100 years, our planet has undergone significant changes. Global temperatures have risen both in the air and oceans. Sea levels continue to climb, while polar ice steadily shrinks. These changes have altered how our atmosphere and oceans circulate, affecting rainfall patterns around the world.
The mental health impact of climate change in the United States is expected to intensify, with vulnerable populations facing the greatest risks. As more people experience extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, floods, and wildfires, the psychological toll grows significantly. Research suggests that mental health cases related to climate disasters could be up to 40 times more frequent than physical injuries.
Research shows that climate change affects mental health in multiple ways. Extreme weather events can trigger anxiety, depression, and PTSD. High temperatures have been linked to mood changes, worsening behavioral issues, and increased suicide rates, particularly affecting those already struggling with mental health. Many people experience climate anxiety. Additionally, when climate changes disrupt communities and livelihoods, it can damage social connections and collective mental well-being.
Studies have found that people affected by wildfires often experience more mental health challenges than those who haven’t been exposed. These challenges include depression, anxiety, hostility, and fears that can feel overwhelming. People may also need more medication to help them sleep or manage their anxiety. What’s particularly concerning is that symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety can continue for many years after experiencing a wildfire.
Research examining Hurricane Katrina survivors over time revealed that they struggled with both mental health and cognitive issues. Beyond experiencing depression and PTSD, survivors showed difficulty with basic mental tasks like focusing and processing information. Notably, even those who didn’t show obvious trauma symptoms still experienced cognitive changes that made it harder for them to recover from the disaster.
People who already have mental health conditions are particularly at risk during extreme heat waves. High temperatures can make their mental health symptoms worse, cause increased psychological distress, and even lead to a higher death rate. This risk is especially concerning because many mental health medications, including psychotropic drugs and diuretics, can interact dangerously with high temperatures.
Natural disasters can have a profound impact on young people’s mental health. Children and teens may develop depression, anxiety, and stress disorders after experiencing extreme weather events. The disruption extends beyond their emotional well-being—many face separation from family members and lose important social connections when they’re forced to relocate, switch schools, or miss classes altogether.
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Climate change can take a significant toll on mental health in several ways. People may experience “solastalgia”—the distress felt when environmental changes damage places they love. They might also suffer from eco-anxiety or climate anxiety: an ongoing fear about environmental disasters and worry about the future of both current and future generations. Another common response is eco-paralysis, in which people feel helpless to take meaningful action against climate change.
Young people are especially susceptible to mental health challenges caused by environmental changes. In fact, climate change ranks among their top concerns. A worldwide study revealed alarming findings: about half of children and young people say climate concerns interfere with their everyday lives, and three-quarters view their future with fear due to climate change.
A 2021 global survey found that 45% of young people say climate anxiety affects their daily lives, highlighting how widespread these feelings have become.
Some communities face greater mental health risks from climate change than others. Certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including women, elderly people, children, those with existing mental health conditions, and people experiencing poverty or social isolation. Indigenous peoples and communities of color often face the highest risks. These challenges are made worse when climate events strain community resources, leading to forced relocation, increased violence, and higher crime rates.
Recent research has shown that these vulnerabilities are often compounded by limited access to mental health services in these communities. For example, rural and Indigenous communities frequently have fewer mental health providers per capita, making it harder to address climate-related trauma and stress.
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The counseling profession has a unique opportunity to advise policymakers on the impacts of climate change on mental health and on the critical need to address the policy and regulatory challenges that will protect the well-being of individuals.
POLICY AND REGULATIONS
The federal government has introduced over 35 consequential actions—many through a surge of funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—to address the impacts of climate change. Those actions appear in Appendix 1 and are categorized by the following areas:
International
Cross-Sector Actions
Transportation Emissions
Energy Sector Emissions
The most important climate action to date was the passage of the IRA into law in August 2022, the most comprehensive climate legislation the United States has ever seen. The law invests hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy, electric vehicles, environmental justice, and more.
The IRA includes nearly $370 billion in investments in disadvantaged communities, prioritizing projects that repurpose retired fossil fuel infrastructure and employ displaced workers, setting the United States on a course toward an economic clean energy transition. In the 2 years following its enactment, the administration focused on developing tax credit guidance and launching programs to implement its many clean energy provisions.
Congressional Climate Task Forces and Caucuses
Key groups that focus on climate issues are the Climate Solutions Caucus; New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force; the National Climate Task Force; and the Sustainability Energy and Environment Coalition, which includes five task forces on Climate and Agriculture, Clean Energy Deployment, Nature and Oceans, Climate Jobs, and Climate and National Security.
National Climate Task Force (Established in 2021): The Climate Policy Office convened various interagency working groups to assist the National Climate Task Force in federal actions aimed at reducing climate pollution across all sectors of the economy, increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change, protecting public health, and delivering environmental justice. The task force is now inactive.
Senate Climate Solutions Caucus (Established in 2019): This caucus serves as a forum for examining diverse policy approaches to combat climate change. The caucus focuses on multiple strategic areas: advancing cost-effective energy solutions and environmental safeguards through cutting-edge research in technologies like carbon capture and energy storage; promoting energy conservation across private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors; tailoring approaches for industry-specific challenges in areas such as manufacturing and transportation; implementing carbon reduction through forest restoration, sustainable farming, and environmental preservation; building resilience against climate impacts; fostering collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit entities; and developing emission-reduction policies that generate modern employment opportunities while maintaining economic inclusivity for all Americans.
House Climate Solutions Caucus (Established in 2016): This cross-party coalition of lawmakers is committed to facilitating productive conversations on climate issues, economic policy, energy matters, and environmental conservation that bring together legislators, international officials, environmental advocates, and corporate executives.
New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force (Established in 2016): The Coalition is focused on developing and promoting policies to address climate change and advance clean energy solutions. The task force aims to achieve ambitious climate goals, including meeting targets through a combination of market-based solutions and federal guidelines.
House Sustainability Energy and Environment Coalition (Established in 2009): It operates through five specialized working groups covering Climate and Agriculture, Clean Energy Deployment, Nature and Oceans, Climate Jobs, and Climate and National Security. These task forces work to promote legislation that fosters renewable energy development, addresses climate challenges, safeguards ecosystems, and ensures equitable environmental outcomes.
The U.S. health care system, particularly mental health services, faces mounting challenges from climate change that threaten its ability to provide quality care. As climate impacts intensify, existing weaknesses in mental health care delivery will become more severe. To address this, policymakers must consider climate change when designing health care solutions. This means carefully evaluating how climate-related health risks affect communities and incorporating these findings into national health policies. It means adding a climate lens to mental health policy in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) in 2021, the first federal office dedicated to addressing the health impacts of climate change. They were tasked with working on developing climate-resilient health care systems and ensuring equitable access to care during climate-related emergencies. The office was closed by the Trump administration in January 2025.
To create a climate-smart mental health care system, policymakers should consider environmental impacts in every decision. This approach requires several key steps: evaluating how climate change affects mental health, reducing health care’s carbon footprint, preparing for disasters, and protecting at-risk communities. The strategy also involves broader changes to health care delivery, including improving population-level care, building resilient facilities, upgrading data systems, training health care workers in climate-related health issues, and developing sustainable funding models.
Our recommendations outline how to include climate-informed assessments into mental health care decision-making and mental health policy, ultimately leading to a more resilient and equitable mental health care system that is better able to meet the needs of patients today and in the future.
Key Aspects of Adding a Climate Lens to Mental Health Policy
Understanding how climate change affects mental health requires examining multiple environmental threats. These include extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and diseases spread by insects and other carriers. Such environmental factors can trigger or worsen mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, while also increasing the risk of various physical illnesses and infections.
To effectively respond to climate-related mental health challenges, we need better monitoring systems. These systems should track how different communities are affected by climate events and collect data that shows which populations are most at risk. This information helps create more targeted and effective mental health interventions.
The CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network combines environmental data with health outcomes. However, mental health tracking in relation to climate events is still in its early stages. Only a few states currently have comprehensive systems to monitor mental health impacts after natural disasters.
Health care facilities must reduce their environmental impact by adopting greener practices. This includes switching to clean energy sources, like solar and wind power, and upgrading to more energy-efficient buildings and equipment. These changes will help reduce the health care sector’s contribution to climate change.
The health care sector contributes about 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Some hospitals are already leading the way—Kaiser Permanente became the first carbon-neutral health care system in the country in 2020, demonstrating that large-scale health care decarbonization is possible.
Health care systems need robust emergency plans to handle climate disasters. This includes ensuring they can continue providing care during events like hurricanes and wildfires. Key priorities include securing essential medical supplies and keeping facilities operational when disasters strike.
Some recent developments in this area:
The Joint Commission now requires hospitals to have specific climate resilience plans as part of their accreditation.
FEMA has created new guidelines for health care facilities in flood-prone areas, including requirements for backup power systems.
Several major hospital systems are now creating “microgrids”—independent power systems that can keep operating even if the main power grid fails.
The Department of Health and Human Services launched a program called Climate and Health Outlook that helps health care facilities prepare for upcoming climate-related health risks.
Health care systems must focus special attention on communities hit hardest by climate change. This includes directing resources and support to low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, who often face the greatest climate-related health risks and have the fewest resources to cope with them.
EPA studies show that minority communities are 40% more likely to live in areas projected to experience extreme temperature increases.
These same communities are often in urban heat islands, where temperatures can be up to 7°F higher than surrounding areas.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) previously launched specific research programs focused on climate health equity, with $100 million in funding allocated for studying and addressing these disparities. Recent reports are that NIH will not fund new research related to climate change, and the status of existing grants is unclear.
Mental health professionals need training to understand and treat climate-related mental health issues. This includes learning how environmental changes affect psychological well-being and developing skills to help patients cope with climate-related stress and trauma.
Mental health policies must evolve to address climate challenges. This means creating incentives for health care providers to prevent climate-related mental health problems and funding more research into how climate change affects psychological well-being. These policies should support both immediate mental health needs and long-term resilience.
Recent developments include state legislation regarding insurance coverage for mental health services and federal guidelines. Several states, including California and Washington, have enacted or are considering legislation requiring insurance companies to cover mental health services related to natural disasters. The Los Angeles Times reports that an Assembly bill in California would mandate health care service plans and insurers to reimburse eligible enrollees who seek mental health care as a result of wildfires.
These policies aim to ensure that individuals affected by disasters have access to necessary mental health support without facing financial barriers. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notes that they are working with California and federal partners to ensure access to care after a natural disaster.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has developed guidelines specifically for addressing mental health needs during climate-related disasters. These guidelines provide a framework for professionals and organizations involved in disaster response to effectively address the mental health impacts of climate change events. The SAMHSA website offers resources and tools for disaster preparedness and response, including guidelines for addressing mental health needs.
These policy developments represent a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the often overlooked mental health consequences of disasters. By ensuring access to insurance coverage and providing guidance for professionals, these initiatives aim to improve the well-being of individuals and communities affected by natural and climate-related disasters.
Communities need financial support to protect people during dangerous heat waves. This includes funding for cooling centers and programs that reach out to vulnerable residents, especially elderly people, those with health conditions, and individuals who lack air conditioning.
Here are some important developments in heat preparedness:
The EPA has launched a Heat Island Reduction program that provides technical assistance and funding to cities.
Phoenix, Arizona, has pioneered a new Heat Response and Mitigation office—the first of its kind in the United States.
The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program now prioritizes cooling efficiency upgrades in addition to heating.
Several cities have appointed chief heat officers to coordinate heat emergency response.
New federal guidelines require workplace protections for outdoor workers during extreme heat.
We must create and enforce policies that improve air quality by reducing pollution from fossil fuels. Poor air quality not only affects breathing but can also worsen mental health conditions. These policies should focus on both monitoring air pollution levels and taking steps to reduce harmful emissions.
Developments during 2024 in air quality policy and monitoring included:
An unprecedented nationwide initiative called the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was launched in 2024, which dedicated $27 billion to leverage private sector investment and financing mechanisms through grants. This groundbreaking program aims to combat climate change, strengthen America's economic position globally, and advance energy self-sufficiency, all while reducing energy expenses and spurring economic development in historically underserved communities.
The AirNow.gov system now includes real-time mental health risk warnings during poor air quality events.
Research shows that air pollution increases depression risk by up to 25%.
California has mandated air quality monitoring in all schools.
The Clean Air Act was updated to include stricter standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Several cities now require clean air shelters during wildfire smoke events.
The NIH launched a major study on the neurological effects of air pollution.
Health care facilities must be designed with climate resilience in mind. This means including features that protect against floods, maintain power during outages, and keep operating during extreme weather. Smart design choices can help hospitals and clinics continue providing care even during climate emergencies.
Here are some cutting-edge developments in climate-resilient health care design:
The Hospital of the Future initiative by the American Society for Health Care Engineering now requires:
green roofs that reduce heat absorption and manage stormwater.
solar panels with battery storage systems.
“passive cooling” design that reduces AC needs.
water recycling systems that can operate off-grid.
elevated critical infrastructure above 500-year flood levels.
Boston’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital pioneered innovations including:
windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds.
a raised first floor to prevent flooding.
on-site cogeneration plant for power independence.
operable windows for natural ventilation if power fails.
Miami’s new VA hospital includes the first “category 5 hurricane–proof” design in the country.
Health care providers need financial motivation to adopt environmentally friendly practices. This includes rewards for using energy-efficient medical equipment and promoting green transportation options. These incentives can help mental health facilities reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining quality care.
Some recent developments in health care sustainability incentives:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched new programs in 2023:
bonus payments for facilities that meet sustainability targets
higher reimbursement rates for telehealth services that reduce travel emissions
grants for converting to energy-efficient medical equipment
The IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) now includes:
tax credits up to 30% for health care facilities installing renewable energy.
rebates for electric vehicle charging stations at medical facilities.
funding for energy audits and efficiency upgrades.
Private insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield have started offering premium reductions to facilities that meet specific sustainability metrics.
The Healthcare Climate Alliance now offers certification programs that can lead to preferred provider status with certain insurers.
Federal Agency Initiatives to Address Climate Change and Health Equity
Climate change worsens existing mental health and social disparities in our communities. Beyond its direct impacts, simply being aware of the growing climate crisis can trigger or intensify psychological distress and mental health conditions.
Some important research findings that add context to this topic include:
The Lancet recently published a study showing that climate anxiety is most prevalent in communities already facing social inequities.
Research from the American Public Health Association shows that:
Low-income communities experience 2–3 times more mental health impacts from climate events.
People with limited English proficiency are 50% less likely to receive mental health support during climate disasters.
Communities with poor infrastructure face 4 times the recovery time from climate-related trauma.
For example, the U.S. Global Change Research Program studies these relationships. The Department of Health and Human Services previously created a dedicated office to tackle climate-related health disparities, but it has been disbanded under the Trump administration.
Federal developments beginning in 2023 include:
The U.S. Global Change Research Program released its 5th National Climate Assessment in 2023, with its largest-ever section on mental health impacts.
The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity launched several initiatives before it was closed in 2025:
the Climate and Health Outlook program
a health workforce training initiative
the Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool
partnerships with tribal health organizations
The NIH’s new Climate Change and Health Initiative includes $100 million in funding for research on climate-related health disparities.
The EPA has created an Environmental Justice Action Plan that specifically addresses mental health impacts in vulnerable communities.
To protect mental health during climate emergencies, the federal government is taking action on two fronts: preparing for immediate disaster response and helping communities build long-term resilience against ongoing climate challenges. These efforts aim to reduce the psychological toll of both acute disasters and the persistent stress of climate change.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has launched:
a climate crisis counseling program.
Disaster Distress Helpline expansion.
new guidelines for trauma-informed care during climate emergencies.
regional mental health response teams.
The CDC’s Climate and Health Program now requires states to include mental health monitoring in their climate adaptation plans.
The National Climate Task Force has created a special working group on mental health resilience, focusing on:
Indigenous communities.
rural areas.
urban heat islands.
coastal communities facing sea-level rise.
The federal government is taking a strategic approach by funding programs that serve multiple purposes: reducing climate impacts, supporting mental health, and addressing inequality. This includes directing money to vulnerable communities for preventive measures that protect mental health before climate disasters strike.
The Justice40 Initiative, a social and environmental justice initiative by the Biden administration, required that 40% of climate and clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities, including:
mental health infrastructure
green space development
air quality improvements
heat mitigation programs
The Justice40 Initiative was rolled back by the Trump administration in January 2025.
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) launched in 2023 with $177 million in funding to help communities:
access federal resources.
develop climate resilience plans.
create mental health support networks.
build environmental monitoring systems.
NBCC can support HHS’s comprehensive plan for addressing climate-related mental health challenges. This effort includes strategies to prepare health care systems, both in the United States and internationally, to handle the growing mental health impacts of climate change.
The HHS Climate and Mental Health Preparedness Strategy, also known as the HHS Climate Change and Health Equity Strategy Supplement, and the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) included the following elements:
international cooperation frameworks
cross-border mental health response protocols
global early warning systems for climate-related mental health crises
shared resources and best practices among nations
As of February 2025, HHS had removed information about the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity from its website and reportedly placed its staff on administrative leave.
Recommendations
A strategic approach to funding programs that tackle climate impacts, mental health, and inequality could involve prioritizing climate resilience initiatives in vulnerable communities, focusing on preventative mental health support, and integrating environmental justice principles into all programs, thereby addressing multiple issues simultaneously through a holistic lens.
Key elements of this strategy:
Implement preventative mental health programs such as:
climate preparedness education: Provide workshops and outreach campaigns to educate communities on potential climate risks and coping mechanisms to mitigate stress and anxiety.
stress management training: Implement accessible mental health programs focused on building resilience and coping skills.
community support networks: Facilitate the development of peer support systems within vulnerable communities.
Climate adaptation projects with mental health considerations include:
green infrastructure development: Prioritize projects that improve environmental quality while creating community green spaces, offering opportunities for mental health benefits like outdoor recreation.
disaster preparedness planning: Integrate mental health support into disaster response plans to provide immediate access to counseling and crisis intervention.
climate-resilient housing: Support initiatives to improve housing stock in vulnerable areas with features that mitigate climate risks and promote mental well-being.
The past administration and the current administration have employed vastly different approaches to climate change, both in terms of administrative and regulatory actions.
Biden Administration (through January 19, 2025)
The Biden administration established a comprehensive climate agenda that could have lasting impacts beyond 2025.
Key Policy Framework
Infrastructure and Climate Legislation: Implemented the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated approximately $369 billion toward clean energy initiatives and climate resilience projects.
Executive Actions and Regulations: Utilized executive authority to implement climate regulations across multiple agencies including EPA, Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation.
Examples: setting stricter vehicle emissions standards and investing in clean energy technologies
Focus on Decarbonization and Clean Energy: The administration prioritized a transition to a clean energy economy, setting targets like reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 61–66% below 2005 levels by 2035.
International Re-engagement: Although U.S. participation in global climate efforts through the Paris Agreement has been invalidated, other multilateral climate finance commitments are ongoing. (The United States remains a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has made commitments to global climate finance through other channels. The United States has pledged to contribute to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and has allocated funds through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Emphasis on Environmental Justice: The Biden administration aimed to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit from climate and clean energy investments.
Example: Established the Justice40 Initiative, directing 40% of certain federal climate and clean energy investments toward disadvantaged communities.
Implementation Timeline
Many Biden administration climate initiatives were designed with multiyear implementation schedules extending into 2025 and beyond, including:
clean energy tax credits (continuing through 2032).
electric vehicle infrastructure development.
methane emission reduction programs.
federal procurement of clean energy and zero-emission vehicles.
Trump Administration (beginning January 20, 2025)
Under the new administration, climate policy has shifted significantly based on administration priorities and recent actions and statements.
Key Policy Framework
Focus on “Unleashing American Energy”: The administration has prioritized increasing domestic energy production, particularly fossil fuels, through federal leasing programs, expedited permitting, and reducing regulatory burdens on the energy industry.
Rollback of Climate Regulations: The administration is actively working to dismantle or weaken climate change–related regulations and burdens on the energy industry implemented by the previous administration.
Examples: directing agencies to reconsider the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, pausing wind projects, potentially rolling back vehicle emission standards, potential dismantling of Biden-era climate regulations using executive authority and the Congressional Review Act for recently finalized rules
Challenges to State Climate Initiatives: The Trump administration has also sought to challenge state and local climate initiatives, arguing they overreach their authority and hinder energy production.
Example: issuing an executive order to identify state laws that could be challenged, including those addressing climate change, environmental justice, and carbon emissions
IRA Implementation: Policymakers are considering potential reinterpretation or restricted implementation of climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act while maintaining popular tax credits
Climate Science: The current administration has reorganized federal climate research programs and reduced climate considerations in federal planning.
Key Differences Between Administrations:
Climate Change as a Priority: The previous administration viewed climate change as a critical threat requiring urgent action, while the current administration is focused on maximizing energy production and minimizing regulatory constraints.
Role of Government: The past administration saw a significant role for the federal government in addressing climate change through regulations and investments, while the current White House is emphasizing deregulation and limited federal intervention.
Clean Energy vs. Fossil Fuels: The past administration promoted a transition to clean energy, while the current administration favors increased fossil fuel production and use.
International Cooperation: The past administration rejoined the Paris Agreement and sought international cooperation on climate change, while the current administration has prioritized domestic energy dominance and is critical of international climate agreements.
Implementation Challenges
The current administration could face significant practical and legal constraints in rapidly reversing established climate programs:
Many clean energy investments are already locked in through multiyear contracts.
Private sector climate commitments and market forces favoring renewable energy may continue regardless of federal policy.
Legal challenges would likely slow major regulatory changes.
State-level climate policies would continue in climate-progressive states.
Economic and Market Considerations
Certain climate-related economic trends beyond 2025 will likely be entrenched regardless of administrative changes, including:
significant private investment in clean energy infrastructure.
electric vehicle market expansion.
corporate climate commitments driving business practices.
financial market integration of climate risk assessments.
Implications for Counselors
Counselors should prepare for potential policy volatility by:
building flexibility into climate compliance strategies.
monitoring upcoming regulatory developments and implementation timelines.
engaging with state-level climate policies as a potential hedge against federal uncertainty.
considering climate initiatives that deliver multiple benefits beyond regulatory compliance.
Key Climate Initiative Terminations Under Trump Administration
The Trump administration’s climate policy reversals created gaps with mental health implications, presenting opportunities for counselor expertise and advocacy.
1. Environmental Justice Programs
Policy Context: Disbanded EPA environmental justice initiatives and limited enforcement of environmental protections in vulnerable communities
Counselor Advocacy Opportunities:
Document mental health impacts of environmental inequality in clinical settings.
Provide expert testimony on psychological effects of environmental discrimination.
Develop community-based resilience programs in environmentally vulnerable areas.
Advocate for the reinstatement of environmental justice screening tools that identify at-risk communities.
2. Climate Change Health Research
Policy Context: Reduced funding for climate-health research and climate change removed from public health planning
Counselor Advocacy Opportunities:
Contribute to policy research on climate-related mental health impacts.
Develop evidence-based interventions for climate anxiety and eco-grief.
Advocate for inclusion of mental health considerations in climate vulnerability assessments.
Support interdisciplinary research connecting climate stressors to psychological outcomes.
3. Disaster Mental Health Services
Policy Context: De-emphasized climate factors in disaster planning and reduced preventative resilience funding
Counselor Advocacy Opportunities:
Document increasing mental health needs following climate-intensified disasters.
Develop specialized protocols for climate-displaced populations.
Advocate for disaster mental health funding that acknowledges climate change as a threat multiplier.
Provide expertise on psychological preparedness for communities facing climate hazards.
4. Youth Climate Education and Engagement
Policy Context: Removed climate science from educational guidelines and limited youth engagement programs
Counselor Advocacy Opportunities:
Develop school-based interventions addressing climate anxiety.
Provide developmentally appropriate frameworks for climate communication.
Advocate for educational approaches that balance honest climate information with hope and agency.
Support youth-led climate initiatives with mental health resources.
5. Professional Integration Points
Clinical Documentation and Research
Counselors can address policy gaps by systematically documenting:
climate-related presenting concerns in intake assessments.
connections between environmental degradation and mental health symptoms.
community-level impacts of climate policy changes.
effectiveness of climate-specific mental health interventions.
Professional Association Engagement
Opportunities for collective advocacy include:
contributing to position papers on climate change and mental health.
advocating for climate competency in counselor education standards.
developing practice guidelines for climate-informed therapy.
participating in interdisciplinary coalitions addressing climate and health.
Policy Analysis and Testimony
Counselors should offer unique expertise for:
health impact assessments of climate policy decisions.
congressional testimony on mental health implications of climate change.
regulatory comment periods on environmental protection rollbacks.
state and local climate resilience planning.
Ethical Considerations
When engaging in policy advocacy, counselors should:
distinguish between scientific expertise and personal political views.
base advocacy on empirical evidence and professional standards.
consider diverse client perspectives on environmental issues.
maintain appropriate boundaries between advocacy and clinical roles
Addressing these policy gaps requires counselors to extend their scope beyond traditional clinical practice while maintaining professional integrity and evidence-based approaches.
As you have read, climate change is impacting the mental health of individuals and whole communities. This is a call for professional counselors to become involved in responding to the mental health issues due to climate change and point out the opportunities available to make a difference not only for clients but on policy initiatives, research, and advocacy. Many avenues of advocacy exist within the mental health field.
This all comes at a time when industries and consumers are concerned about new environmental regulations and standards that could raise the cost of doing business and household costs.
Mental health counselors are uniquely positioned to guide policy changes around climate and mental health. Their expertise allows them to assess professional needs and provide valuable insights to policymakers. The profession must take responsibility for advocating for better regulations that protect both clients and mental health providers.
The NBCC Foundation has created research grants specifically for studying climate impacts on mental health and counseling practices.
The National Board for Certified Counselors, through the Policy Advocacy and Research in Counseling Center (PARC), will continue to support and provide research and guidance on the best policies to support the counseling profession and clients.
Note to the Reader:
NBCC PARC will make periodic updates on this topic. We encourage interested readers to check back regularly for the latest information and developments. Additionally, we welcome researchers and stakeholders to provide feedback, share additional research, and contribute relevant resources to enrich the ongoing conversation. Your insights and contributions are valuable in advancing understanding and fostering collaboration.
The federal government has introduced over 35 consequential actions—many through a surge of funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—to address the impacts of climate change.
International
October 26, 2022: The United States formally joined the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, a landmark international agreement to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—powerful greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. This bipartisan-supported action committed the United States to reduce HFC production and consumption by 85% over 15 years.
Cross-Sector Actions
January 20, 2021: President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis. This order directed federal agencies to review and address environmental policies of the first Trump administration while establishing scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking as cornerstones of climate action. (Revoked by Executive Order 14148, Jan. 20, 2025; Executive Order 14154, Jan. 20, 2025.)
August 16, 2022: President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), committing an unprecedented $369 billion to combat climate change through clean energy investments, tax incentives, and environmental justice initiatives. This historic legislation represents the most substantial U.S. climate action to date, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 while creating millions of clean energy jobs.
November 22, 2022: The U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule allowing retirement plan fiduciaries to consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when selecting investments and exercising shareholder rights. This reversal of Trump-era restrictions in his first term enables pension managers to evaluate climate-related financial risks alongside traditional investment criteria. The rule continues to permit fiduciaries to consider climate change and other ESG factors alongside traditional investment criteria when choosing investments and exercising shareholder rights.
December 2, 2023: The Environmental Protection Agency established a new social cost of carbon at $190 per metric ton of CO2 emissions, dramatically increasing it from the previous administration’s $7 estimate. This science-based metric helps federal agencies evaluate the economic damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions when making regulatory decisions.
March 6, 2024: The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules requiring public companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks to investors. Implementation was delayed after legal challenges led to a court-ordered temporary stay, prompting the SEC to postpone the rules’ effective date pending judicial review. The SEC has since announced that it will no longer defend the rule in court, meaning these requirements will not be enforced.
March 28, 2024: The Biden administration strengthened the Endangered Species Act by reinstating critical wildlife protections, including automatic safeguards for species listed as “threatened” and allowing climate change impacts to be considered in listing decisions. This reversal of Trump-era rollbacks in his first term helps ensure vulnerable species receive proactive conservation measures before reaching endangered status. However, a proposed rule change to the Endangered Species Act, which is currently under public comment, would significantly weaken protections for endangered species by eliminating or significantly narrowing the definition of “harm.” This could allow activities that would destroy species’ critical habitat without direct killing them. Such change would weaken efforts to protect species threatened by climate change.
April 4, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency announced the recipients of $20 billion in competitive grants from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, often called the “Green Bank.” These awards will leverage public and private capital to fund clean energy projects nationwide, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.
July 21, 2024: The Biden administration distributed $4.3 billion in competitive grants through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, funding local and state-led initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions. These community-focused investments support projects ranging from building electrification to clean transportation systems, prioritizing environmental justice for communities.
Transportation Emissions
April 6, 2022: The Environmental Protection Agency reinstated California’s authority to set stricter vehicle emission standards than federal requirements, restoring the state’s historic role as a leader in clean transportation policy. This waiver, previously revoked under the Trump administration, allows California and states following its standards to exceed federal vehicle pollution limits. EPA restores California’s ability to set stricter clean car standards
The Senate moved in May 2025 to again reverse California's Advanced Clean Cars II standards. President Trump said he will sign the legislation reversing the standards.
March 31, 2023: The Environmental Protection Agency authorized California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, allowing the state to require manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks, buses, and large vehicles. This landmark decision extends California’s clean vehicle leadership from cars to heavy-duty vehicles, which are major sources of air pollution in disadvantaged communities.
https://www.bhfs.com/insights/alerts-articles/2025/senate-votes-to-reject-california-s-ban-of-gas-powered-carsThe Senate moved in May 2025 to again reverse California's Advanced Clean Cars II standards. President Trump said he will sign the legislation reversing the standards.
March 20, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency finalized historic vehicle emission standards requiring automakers to cut their fleet-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2032. This landmark regulation, deemed the most significant climate rule in U.S. history, is projected to prevent over 7 billion tons of CO2 emissions through 2055 while accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
March 29, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency established stringent greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses, targeting a reduction of 1 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2055. These rules require manufacturers to significantly improve fuel efficiency and increase zero-emission options across their commercial vehicle lineups, from delivery vans to long-haul trucks.
May 29, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency awarded grants to fund 3,400 zero-emission school buses nationwide through its Clean School Bus Program, prioritizing low-income, rural, and tribal school districts. This investment represents the largest federal commitment to electrifying America’s school bus fleet, which traditionally exposes children to harmful diesel exhaust.
June 11, 2024: The Department of Energy allocated $1.7 billion in grants and loans to accelerate domestic electric vehicle manufacturing, supporting battery production facilities, component suppliers, and factory retooling projects across multiple states. This funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s manufacturing initiatives, aims to strengthen America’s position in the global EV supply chain.
June 21, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Renewable Fuel Standard program requirements through 2025, mandating increased production of sustainable biofuels and creating new pathways for advanced biofuels like sustainable aviation fuel. This updated standard requires refiners to blend 22.8 billion gallons of renewable fuels into the nation’s fuel supply in 2024–25, accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation fuels.
Energy Sector Emissions
May 11, 2021: The Biden administration approved Vineyard Wind 1, America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, marking a historic milestone in U.S. renewable energy development. Located off the coast of Massachusetts, this 800-megawatt project launched a new era in domestic clean energy production and established a blueprint for future offshore wind installations.
December 2, 2023: The Environmental Protection Agency finalized comprehensive regulations requiring oil and gas operators to detect and repair methane leaks, capture gas at wells, and upgrade equipment across the supply chain. This landmark rule, estimated to eliminate emissions equivalent to 1.5 billion tons of CO2, establishes the nation’s first comprehensive standards for reducing methane from both new and existing oil and gas facilities.
March 27, 2024: The Department of Interior established strict limits on the wasteful release and burning of natural gas from oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands. This rule requires operators to capture 98% of gas produced on federal leases, marking a significant shift from historical practices that released millions of tons of methane into the atmosphere while wasting valuable public resources.
April 12, 2024: The Department of Interior implemented the first increase in federal fossil fuel royalty rates since 1920, raising fees that oil, gas, and coal companies must pay to extract resources from public lands. This historic update increases the royalty rate from 12.5% to 18.75%, ensuring taxpayers receive fair compensation for the commercial use of public resources while incentivizing a transition to clean energy.
April 19, 2024: The Department of Interior finalized sweeping protections for 13 million acres in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, designating vast stretches of the western Arctic as off-limits to oil and gas development. This rule safeguards critical wildlife habitats, including caribou calving grounds, polar bear denning areas, and migratory bird wetlands, while protecting indigenous subsistence rights in one of America’s last great wilderness areas. (The U.S. Department of the Interior is taking steps to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule.)
April 22, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency distributed $7 billion through its Solar for All program to expand clean energy access in underserved communities. This Earth Day announcement funds 60 state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations to deploy residential and community solar projects, making clean energy affordable for millions of low-income households while reducing energy poverty and creating local jobs. (Funds have been paused.)
April 22, 2024: The Department of Energy streamlined the federal permitting process for electric transmission projects, cutting review times by 50% while allocating $331 million to expand grid capacity by 2,000 megawatts. This Earth Day announcement addresses a critical bottleneck in clean energy deployment by accelerating the construction of power lines needed to connect renewable energy projects to population centers. (The Trump administration announced an “emergency” permitting process aimed at significantly cutting approval times for energy and mining projects on federal lands, potentially reducing review times to a maximum of 28 days.)
April 24, 2024: The Department of the Interior unveiled an ambitious offshore wind leasing program through 2028, identifying 12 potential areas for development across all U.S. coastal regions, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and territorial waters. This comprehensive plan aims to accelerate America’s offshore wind deployment while creating a predictable pipeline for industry investment and workforce development. (President Trump’s Wind Energy executive order indefinitely withdraws all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS] from any new or renewed wind energy leasing activity. Though existing offshore wind leases remain valid, they are subject to review with the possibility of termination or amendment.)
April 25, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency established comprehensive power sector regulations requiring a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from coal plants and new gas facilities. This landmark package includes strengthened standards for mercury, toxic air pollutants, wastewater discharge, and coal ash management. Together, these rules will prevent 1.38 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions through 2047—equivalent to removing 328 million cars from the road—while protecting public health and water resources.
April 30, 2024: The White House Council on Environmental Quality modernized the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, streamlining environmental assessments while maintaining rigorous environmental protections. This reform implements the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s permitting provisions, establishing clear timelines, reducing redundant reviews, and creating a more efficient approval process for infrastructure and clean energy projects.
April 30, 2024: The Department of Energy established rigorous efficiency requirements for residential water heaters as part of a broader appliance standards initiative. These regulations will eliminate $1 trillion in energy waste over three decades while reducing household utility bills by $100 or more annually. The standards accelerate the transition to high-efficiency heat pump water heaters and other advanced technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. (The Department of Energy will postpone the implementation of mandates on home appliances.)
July 9, 2024: Congress passed the bipartisan American Nuclear Development and Advancement (ADVANCE) Act, supporting both next-generation nuclear technologies and the preservation of existing nuclear plants. This legislation provides funding for advanced reactor development, streamlines licensing processes, and creates incentives to prevent premature closures of current nuclear facilities that provide carbon-free baseload power.
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Adaptation: The process of modifying natural or human systems to either minimize harmful impacts of climate change or capitalize on potential benefits it may create.
Abrupt climate change: Rapid and significant shifts in major climate systems that occur within decades, leading to widespread and immediate environmental consequences.
Aerosols: Microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that influence Earth’s climate by either absorbing or bouncing sunlight back into space, depending on their chemical makeup.
Alternative energy (renewable energy): Energy sources that differ from conventional fossil fuels, including renewable options like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as transitional sources such as compressed natural gas.
Atmosphere: The layer of gases that envelop Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen (78.1%) and oxygen (20.9%), along with smaller amounts of various other gases. This blanket of air is essential for life on our planet.
Biofuels: Renewable fuels produced from organic materials, ranging from common sources like wood, agricultural residues, and municipal waste to specialized materials like fish oils and spent liquors. These fuels can be processed into both liquid and gaseous forms, with ethanol being a common example used in vehicle fuel blends.
Carbon dioxide: A greenhouse gas that exists naturally in Earth’s atmosphere but has increased significantly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. As the primary driver of human-caused climate change, it serves as the baseline for measuring the warming effects of other greenhouse gases, with its warming potential set as the reference value of 1.
Carbon footprint: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically measured in equivalent units of carbon dioxide. This measurement helps identify major emission sources and opportunities for reduction.
Climate: The long-term pattern of weather conditions in a region, measured through statistical analysis of temperature, precipitation, wind, and other atmospheric factors over periods ranging from months to millennia. Unlike daily weather, climate represents the typical conditions and their variations over extended timeframes.
Climate change: A sustained shift in global or regional weather patterns occurring over extended time periods, typically decades or longer. These alterations manifest through significant variations in key indicators like temperature, rainfall patterns, and wind systems, fundamentally changing an area’s typical weather characteristics.
Climate crisis: A term that emphasizes the urgent nature of global climate disruption and its far-reaching consequences for human health, mental wellbeing, and Earth’s ecosystems. This phrase reflects the severity and immediacy of climate-related challenges facing our planet.
Emissions: The release of gases, particles, or other substances into the atmosphere from natural and human sources. While some emissions occur naturally, human activities like industrial processes, transportation, and energy production are major contributors of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Fossil fuels: Ancient organic matter—primarily prehistoric plants and animals—that has transformed into coal, oil, and natural gas through geological processes of heat and pressure over millions of years beneath Earth’s surface.
Glacier: A massive, long-lasting accumulation of compacted snow and ice that forms Earth’s largest freshwater reserve outside of the oceans. These slowly moving masses of ice exist on all continents except Australia, storing crucial water resources that influence global sea levels and water availability.
Global warming: The sustained rise in Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily driven by human activities that increase atmospheric greenhouse gases. This warming trend, observed since the pre-industrial era, affects both land and ocean temperatures worldwide.
Greenhouse effect: A natural process where certain atmospheric gases trap heat near Earth’s surface, similar to how a greenhouse retains warmth. When solar energy reaches Earth, some is absorbed by the surface and re-emitted as infrared radiation. Gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone then capture this heat and redirect it back to Earth, maintaining temperatures suitable for life.
Greenhouse gases: Atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation, creating a warming effect on Earth. While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant human-produced greenhouse gas, others include methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. These gases are essential for life but their increasing concentrations due to human activities are driving global warming.
Heat waves: Extended periods of abnormally high temperatures and often high humidity that can last for days or weeks, posing significant risks to human health and infrastructure. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas composed of carbon and hydrogen that traps 25 times more heat than carbon dioxide. This gas is released through both natural processes (like wetlands and animal digestion) and human activities (including landfills, livestock farming, and fossil fuel production). As the main component of natural gas, methane plays a significant role in global warming despite its shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2.
Mitigation: Actions and strategies designed to address climate change by either cutting greenhouse gas emissions at their source or enhancing natural systems (like forests and oceans) that remove these gases from the atmosphere. These efforts range from transitioning to renewable energy to protecting carbon-absorbing ecosystems.
Natural gas: A fossil fuel primarily composed of methane (50–90%) along with other hydrocarbon gases like propane and butane. Found in underground deposits, it forms over millions of years from decomposed organic matter and serves as a major energy source worldwide.
Ozone layer: A protective shield in Earth’s stratosphere, located 15–50 kilometers above the surface, where ozone molecules concentrate to filter out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This vital atmospheric layer reaches its peak concentration (about 10 parts per million) at 25 kilometers altitude, acting as Earth’s natural sunscreen.
Renewable energy: Energy sources that naturally regenerate on human timescales, including solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal heat, and energy from ocean waves and tides. Unlike fossil fuels, these sustainable resources can be harnessed without depleting Earth’s natural reserves.
Storm surge: A dangerous rise in ocean water levels during major storms, where powerful winds and low atmospheric pressure push seawater inland above normal tide levels. This wall of water, often the deadliest aspect of hurricanes and tropical storms, can flood coastal areas well beyond typical high-tide marks.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): An international treaty that establishes the foundation for global cooperation on climate action. Adopted in 1992, this agreement acknowledges climate change as a shared global challenge and recognizes that industrial emissions of greenhouse gases threaten climate stability. With nearly universal participation of 189 nations, the UNFCCC serves as the cornerstone for international climate negotiations and agreements.
Weather: The short-term state of the atmosphere in a specific location, characterized by factors like temperature, wind speed, humidity, air pressure, cloud cover, and rainfall. While weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day or week, climate represents the long-term average of these weather patterns over months, years, or decades in a particular region.
WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change describes the long-term alterations in global weather patterns and temperatures. While natural factors like solar activity can cause these changes, research shows that human activities have become the primary driver over the past hundred years. The main culprit is the burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas. These fuels release greenhouse gases that create a heat-trapping layer around Earth, similar to a blanket, leading to rising global temperatures.
WHY COUNSELORS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Research shows that climate change affects mental health in multiple ways. Extreme weather events can trigger anxiety, depression, and PTSD. High temperatures have been linked to mood changes, worsening behavioral issues, and increased suicide rates, particularly affecting those already struggling with mental health. Many people experience ongoing distress about climate change itself, known as climate anxiety. Additionally, when climate changes disrupt communities and livelihoods, it can damage social connections and collective mental well-being. It is crucial that National Certified Counselors advocate for policies that address the impacts of climate change on clients’ mental health and the health of communities.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Counselors advocating for climate change policy might recommend focusing on policies that promote environmental sustainability, address the mental health impacts of climate change, and empower individuals and communities to take action. These policies can include investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable infrastructure, providing accessible mental health support related to climate anxiety, integrating climate education into school curriculums, and supporting community-based climate resilience initiatives.
Key Congressional policy and advocacy areas counselors might focus on:
Mitigation of climate change:
Carbon pricing: Implementing a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system to incentivize emissions reduction across industries.
Renewable energy mandates: Setting targets for electricity generation from sources like solar and wind power.
Energy efficiency standards: Enforcing stricter energy efficiency requirements for buildings and appliances.
Transportation electrification: Promoting the transition to electric vehicles through incentives and infrastructure development.
Adaptation to climate change:
Climate-resilient infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events like floods and droughts.
Disaster preparedness programs: Enhancing community preparedness for climate-related disasters.
Community resilience building: Supporting local initiatives to address climate impacts like food security and water access.
Mental health and climate change:
Funding for climate-related mental health services: Increasing access to mental health support for individuals experiencing climate anxiety or distress.
Training for mental health professionals: Educating therapists and counselors on how to address climate change related concerns in therapy.
Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the mental health impacts of climate change and promoting coping mechanisms.
Education and community engagement:
Climate change education in schools: Integrating climate science and sustainable practices into school curriculums.
Community outreach programs: Supporting community-based initiatives to address climate change at the local level.
Environmental justice focus: Prioritizing the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Rationale for counselor involvement:
Direct impact on mental health: Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, making it crucial for counselors to advocate for policies addressing these concerns.
Community leadership: Counselors are well-positioned to educate communities about climate change, promote mental health resilience, and mobilize action.
Ethical responsibility: The ethical guidelines of most counseling professions encourage addressing broader societal issues that impact mental health, including climate change.
Please support policy and regulatory efforts initiated by the federal government to create a climate-smart mental health care system. Policymakers should consider environmental impacts in every decision.
To protect mental health during climate emergencies, the federal government should take actions on two fronts: preparing for immediate disaster response and helping communities build long-term resilience against ongoing climate challenges. These efforts are aimed to reduce the psychological toll of both acute disasters and the persistent stress of climate change.
Key efforts include:
Develop a strategic approach by funding programs that serve multiple purposes: reducing climate impacts, supporting mental health, and addressing inequality. This includes directing money to vulnerable communities for preventive measures that protect mental health before climate disasters strike.
Develop mandatory mental health components in disaster response plans, pre-disaster counseling programs, and mental health first aid certification requirements for emergency responders
Advance a climate crisis counseling program, Disaster Distress Helpline expansion, new guidelines for trauma-informed care during climate emergencies, regional mental health response teams.
Require states to include mental health monitoring in their climate adaptation plans.
Require that 40% of climate and clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities, including: mental health infrastructure, green space development, air quality improvements, and heat mitigation programs.
Support HHS’ efforts that focus on community mental health centers in high-risk areas, mobile mental health units for disaster response, telehealth infrastructure for remote communities, and training programs for community health workers.
Support HHS’ comprehensive plan for addressing climate-related mental health challenges. This effort includes strategies to prepare health care systems, both in the United States and internationally, to handle the growing mental health impacts of climate change.
Advocate Today
It only takes 5 minutes to advocate. You may advocate by visiting the NBCC Grassroots Action Center, or you can message your members of Congress and the Congress Climate Caucuses separately. We highly recommended you utilize the NBCC Grassroots Action Center. You may visit the links below to familiarize yourself with the members of caucuses such as the House Climate Solutions Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force, and the House Sustainability Energy and Environment Coalition, and to read about your members of Congress.
To advocate, contact your member of Congress and the following groups:
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