Remarks via Video Message by Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the Conference on Mental Health and the Triple Planet Crisis
“Check against delivery”
Deputy State Secretary for Health Ms Bidló.
Regional Director of the WHO, dear Dr. Kluge,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss is one of the most serious threats to our planet and life on earth.
It is also increasingly the cause of many mental health challenges.
We know, that the well-being of people and the planet is intertwined.
Today more than six in ten Europeans report that the climate crisis and other world events affect their mental health and we have seen yet again in recent weeks, climate change resulting in more extreme weather events.
This has been linked to rising cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Biodiversity loss disrupts ecosystems and livelihoods and exacerbates these mental health challenges.
Pollution, particularly air and noise pollution, can also have serious consequences, impairing cognitive function and make mental health disorders more prevalent.
These environmental stressors come on top of other factors impacting mental health.
They include the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment, energy prices, the rising cost of living, and increasing digitalisation.
It is urgent that we address these interconnected issues.
For this reason, in June last year we presented a comprehensive approach to mental health with more than 1.2 billion euros in funding opportunities.
It recognises the need to include mental health across all policies, including environment and climate change.
Furthermore, we are supporting Member States and stakeholders through the EU4Health funding programme with the EU investing 18.5 million euros in mental health initiatives last year.
Last but not least, we have the European Climate and Health Observatory, where WHO Europe is one of the key partners to help us understand and address the health impacts of climate change.
By providing access to information and tools, it helps policymakers and health professionals develop strategies to protect mental health in the face of environmental challenges.
Mental health will remain high on the political agenda as part of the strong European Health Union we have put in place.
Ahead of the World Mental Health Day on 10th October, let us remember to increase our collective efforts.
For people, for our planet and for each and everyone.