Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia

Eric Brymer; Royce Willis; Bindi Bennett; Vinathe Sharma-Brymer; Gillian Gould; Amy Lykins; Philip Batterham; Kim Usher; Matthew Leach; Marg Rogers; Helen Clark; Kate McCubbery; Fiona Charlson; Warren Lake

doi:10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100702

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Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia

Eric Brymer, Royce Willis, Bindi Bennett, Vinathe Sharma-Brymer, Gillian Gould, Amy Lykins, Philip Batterham, Kim Usher, Matthew Leach, Marg Rogers, …

The Journal of Climate Change and Health, Vol.30, pp.1-7

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100702

PMCID: PMC13470573

PMID: 42597789

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Abstract

Climate change and mental health

Community resilience

Culturally responsive interventions

Nature

Rural and remote regions

Social support networks Human-nature relationship

Australians living in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities face unique climate change impacts that exacerbate both financial and mental health challenges. These communities are disproportionately affected due to their dependence on natural resources for economic well-being and their geographical isolation, which limits access to services. Additionally, poorly designed policies and systems often overlook the specific needs of RRR communities, compounding their vulnerability. This paper highlights the importance of developing culturally responsive and context-specific interventions, co-designed with local communities, to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change. We propose a conceptual framework for sustainable, community-led policy solutions that enhance social and emotional well-being and foster long-term resilience in RRR communities. The focus is on integrating traditional ecological knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive strategies to address unique vulnerabilities.

Details

Title: Culturally-informed strategies to address the differential impacts of climate change-related changing environmental conditions on mental health in regional Australia
Authors: Eric Brymer (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross University
Royce Willis - Southern Cross University
Bindi Bennett - Federation University
Vinathe Sharma-Brymer - University of the Sunshine Coast
Gillian Gould - Southern Cross University
Amy Lykins - University of New England
Philip Batterham - Australian National University
Kim Usher - University of New England
Matthew Leach - University of New England
Marg Rogers - University of New England
Helen Clark - Southern Cross University
Kate McCubbery - Southern Cross University
Fiona Charlson - University of New England
Warren Lake - Southern Cross University
Publication details: The Journal of Climate Change and Health, Vol.30, pp.1-7
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100702
ISSN: 2667-2782
PMID: 42597789; PMC13470573
Organisation Unit: Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991250593302621
Output Type: Journal article

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