A groundbreaking study has been published in Nature Climate Change, shedding light on a new aspect of the devastating effects of climate change – its impact on the human brain. The international team of researchers from leading institutions, including the University of Vienna, the universities of Geneva, New York, Chicago, Washington, Stanford, Exeter, and the Max Planck Institute, explore how changing environmental factors can affect brain function and how climate change may further impact our cognitive abilities in the future. This research also highlights the crucial role that neuroscientists can play in understanding and addressing these challenges.
Lead author Dr. Kimberly C. Doell of the University of Vienna emphasized the importance of studying the impact of climate change on the brain, stating, “We’ve long known that factors in our environment can lead to changes in the brain. Yet we’re only just beginning to look at how climate change, the greatest global threat of our time, might change our brains.” With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, air pollution, limited access to nature, and the associated stress and anxiety surrounding climate change, it is vital to comprehend the potential consequences for our brain health and develop strategies to mitigate these changes.
The impact of changing environmental factors on brain development and plasticity has been known since the 1940s, through studies conducted on mice. Research investigating the effects of growing up in poverty has also demonstrated that a person’s environment can significantly influence their brain, including lack of cognitive stimulation, exposure to toxins, poor nutrition, and heightened childhood stress. While this correlation may not be surprising, it emphasizes the profound impact our surroundings can have on our brain and overall well-being.
The authors of the study call for further research to explore the effects of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, forest fires, and floods, on the human brain. They suggest that these events may alter brain structure, function, and overall health, and also contribute to changes in behavior and well-being. Understanding the neural activity that underlies motivations, emotions, and temporal horizons can help predict behavior patterns and break down barriers preventing individuals from behaving in an environmentally friendly manner.
Dr. Mathew White, a co-author of the study from the Universities of Exeter and Vienna, highlights the complex nature of both brain function and climate change. He suggests that these domains are interlinked and advocates for action to protect our brains from the future realities of climate change. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to utilize our brains more effectively to cope with the current situation and prevent worst-case scenarios.
This research not only underscores the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on mental health and brain function but also highlights the significant role that neuroscience can play in shaping our perception, judgments, and response to climate change. By connecting these two intricate fields, we can develop comprehensive approaches to protect our brains and effectively mitigate the effects of climate change.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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