Globally, there is an increasing risk to mental and physical health due to climate change. Although a lot of study has been done on how climate change affects physical health, little is known about how it affects mental health, particularly in Germany. According to literature, climate-related events may cause depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and psychological discomfort. Students appear to be particularly vulnerable to these effects on mental health due to economic disadvantage and, in some cases, pre-existing mental illness.
The “KLIM MENT” project is investigating the effects of climate change on the mental health of students in Germany. The aim is to identify specific climate factors that influence mental health and based on this, to develop preventive measures that can be trialled and implemented in the university context.
The nationwide study will cover a multitude of German universities and aims to gain a comprehensive picture of students' mental health in the context of climate change. The quantitative study will be conducted in the winter semester 2024/2025 using an online survey based on a questionnaire developed from existing validated instruments. The development of preventive measures based on this will be supported by focus groups with students, in which specific needs will be identified and included through the active participation of students and awareness of the topic will be raised. A parallel communication campaign will disseminate the study results, the prevention measures developed, and encourage participation.
The designed measures will be implemented and evaluated at selected universities in the winter semester 2025/2026 to test their effectiveness and feasibility. The project results will then be scientifically analysed and published in order to initiate nationwide implementation through “KLIM MENT” and promote the prevention of climate-related mental distress at universities.
