Strengthening mental health resilience in the face of climate shocks across the Western Pacific

As climate change intensifies globally, its effects are becoming increasingly visible. Across the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, severe storms, floods, droughts, extreme temperatures and other climate-related hazards are affecting lives, livelihoods and communities. 

Beyond the physical destruction and economic losses lies another important but often overlooked consequence: the impact on mental health and well-being. 

Across the Region, communities are experiencing the psychological and social consequences of climate change and disasters. 

Individuals face distress, anxiety, grief, uncertainty and disruptions to social support systems following emergencies, displacement or loss of livelihoods. 

These impacts can be particularly significant for people already facing vulnerabilities, including women, children and adolescents, older persons, persons with disabilities, and communities repeatedly exposed to disasters. 

The Western Pacific Region is home to more than 200 million people living with mental health conditions, and many countries continue to face challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality-assured mental health services and support. 

As climate-related risks increase, countries and areas in the Region are recognizing the need to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support as part of broader efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and environmental change. 

While awareness of the links between climate change and mental health is growing, responses often remain fragmented. Mental health considerations are not always fully integrated into climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness strategies. At the same time, countries have identified the need for stronger evidence, practical tools, cross-sectoral collaboration and opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences. 

To address these challenges, WHO is supporting efforts to strengthen mental health systems and make them more climate-resilient across the Region through the initiative, “Advancing Mental Health through Innovative and Inclusive Solutions Amid Climate Change and Disasters in the Western Pacific Region”.

Supported by The Nippon Foundation, this three-year initiative aims to promote innovative and inclusive approaches, strengthen country capacities and generate practical knowledge to support action at national and regional levels.

Mental health is both a health and development priority in the context of climate change. As countries across the Western Pacific face increasingly complex climate-related challenges, it is essential that mental health and psychosocial support are integrated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

– Dr Huong Thi Giang Tran, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific

Learning together across the Region

To further support country action, WHO convened the Technical Consultation to Promote Mental Health Amid Climate Change and Disasters in the Western Pacific Region in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 15 to 17 September 2026.

Representatives from Member States and partners exchanged experiences and identified priorities for strengthening climate-resilient mental health systems. © WHO / S. Tan

The consultation brought together government representatives, experts and partners from Malaysia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines and Vanuatu – a range of countries representing diverse parts of the vast Western Pacific Region – to exchange experiences, discuss emerging evidence and identify practical actions to strengthen climate-resilient mental health systems. 

Climate change knows no borders. Likewise, no country can address alone its impacts on human health and mental well-being. We therefore need evidence-based policies, innovative and inclusive solutions, strong multisectoral coordination, mechanisms for mutual learning among countries, and sustainable regional cooperation.

– Dr Erdenebayar Namjil, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Mongolia

Participants reflected on the growing mental health impacts of climate change and disasters, shared country experiences, and explored opportunities for integrating mental health into climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening workforce capacity, generating context-specific evidence and fostering collaboration across sectors.

The consultation provided opportunities for peer learning and collaborative problem-solving across diverse country contexts. © WHO / S. Tan

Climate-resilient health systems must also be mental health-responsive. Strengthening the capacity of countries to address the psychological and social impacts of climate change will be critical for building healthier and more resilient communities.

– Dr Socorro Escalante, WHO Representative in Mongolia

Mongolia hosted the regional consultation and site visits, bringing together countries to advance action on mental health, climate change and disasters. © WHO / S. Tan

Looking ahead

As the climate crisis increasingly shapes the health landscape of the Western Pacific, countries are working to adapt to evolving environmental challenges, ensuring that mental health is an essential pillar to be incorporated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

© WHO

The consultation reflected a shared commitment among countries and partners to better understand and address the mental health impacts of climate change and disasters. By fostering collaboration, strengthening capacities and promoting evidence-based action, countries across the Region are taking important steps towards building more resilient communities and healthier futures. 

As climate risks continue to evolve, so too must efforts to protect and promote mental well-being. Investing in mental health today will help ensure that communities are better prepared, supported and empowered to face the challenges of tomorrow.