12 Storm damage in the British Virgin Islands 2003. Photos by Frankie Michael • Continued from previous page IMPLICATIONS FOR LEADERS/MANAGERS Remember the adage, proper planning prevents poor performance. When we perform poorly in crises people die, people suffer, and people sustain great losses. Our Caribbean region must also prepare for the likely impacts of Climate Change on mental health. In its 2022 Mental Health and Climate Change Policy Brief, the WHO states: “Climate change also exacerbates many social and environmental risk factors for mental health and psychosocial problems, and can lead to emotional distress, the development of new mental health conditions and a worsening situation for people already living with these conditions. Therefore, in preparing for and responding to this growing emergency, there is an increasing need for the provision of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). There is growing evidence of the various mechanisms by which climate change is affecting mental health. Countries need to dramatically accelerate their responses to climate change, including efforts to address its impacts on mental health and psychosocial well-being. The systemic, global and potentially irreversible effects of the crisis have given rise to emerging concepts such as climate change anxiety, solastalgia, ecoanxiety and ecological grief. In many cases, these reactions may represent understandable and congruent responses to the crisis the world faces, and yet their impact can be significant. Although there is a need for further research, the world has sufficient experience and evidence to guide immediate action.” In some CARICAD member states our population profiles are changing. We now have many more senior citizens. That reality must be incorporated into our plans to adapt to Climate Change. Our air temperatures are getting hotter. Will that make outdoor, physical work less attractive and unhealthy? Will our young people be spending even more time indoors? Will that make them less physically fit to deliver emergency responses? • Continues on next page
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