The concept of climate change, as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2002), refers to a change in climate resulting from human activities that directly or indirectly alter the composition of the global atmosphere, in addition to the naturally occurring climate variations observed over comparable time periods. The direct and indirect effects of climate change on humans have become subjects of intensive research in recent years.

This book discusses the impact of climate change from its effects on fetuses in the womb, including its epigenetic effects, to its influence on the growth of human offspring during the early years of life. It further explores the role of climate change in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and others during childhood. Additionally, it delves into the relationship between climate change and factors related to aggression, self-harm, suicidal behavior, major depressive disorder, and mood disorders during adolescence, including the influence of rising temperatures and symptom severity.

The book particularly addresses the mental health issues experienced when people face fundamental food security problems and displacement due to climate change-related disasters. Furthermore, it discusses climate change-specific concepts, including eco-grief, eco-anxiety, and the reflections of environmental-induced solastalgia in young individuals. It also covers the effects of climate change on aspects such as food access, quality nutrition sources, water resources, vector-borne diseases, temperature fluctuations, and growth development related to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as its impact on puberty and neurological disorders.

While preparing this book, we, the editors, aimed to channel the feelings of despair and sadness we experienced into hopeful sections for mental health professionals, rather than dwelling on unchangeable circumstances. We found solace in the data indicating that mindfulness and psychological resilience are the most significant protective and healing factors in the face of mental health issues related to climate change.

Climate change is a subtle, ongoing situation that is not readily observable. We believe that acknowledging this and preventing its progression with both individual and collective efforts is of utmost importance. It’s also essential to recognize climate change as a vulnerability factor in many areas for every profession working with babies, children, adolescents, and their families. Of course, we cannot say that the impact of climate change is limited to the topics within the scope of this book. This is because every moment and every event involving human thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and experiences can lead to mental health-related consequences.

We extend our gratitude to all the authors who contributed to turning this theme, which illuminated us during the 27th Adolescent Days Symposium in Aydın, into a book. Additionally, we take great pride in publishing this book on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Prof. Dr. Hatice AKSU
Editor
Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aydın, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte GÜRBÜZ ÖZGÜR
Editor
Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aydın, Türkiye