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Rise In Climate Depression: Who’s To Blame?

By Hannah Grace | Update Date: Feb 28, 2017 08:00 AM EST

Climate depression was a term coined by experts to describe how environmental and climatic changes lead to anxiety, depression, stress and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to reports, the massive change President Donald Trump is implementing in the Environmental Protection Agency is adding anxiety to those suffering from climate depression.

According to CNBC, Donald Trump's executive orders could Barack Obama's Climate Action Plan which is a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Clean Power Plan which regulates emissions from power plants. Some environmentalist says that anyone who does not take care of the environment is responsible for any catastrophic incidents.

Climate change is reported to be one of the major causes of farmer suicides on top of the increase in their PTSD levels. In a study conducted by Esther Sukita and Ashwini K at the 8th Indian Youth Science Congress, some farmers cannot cope with trauma brought about by the climate depression and end up committing suicide.

News 1130 defines PTSD as pre-traumatic disorder which describes the mental anguish of people constantly preparing for the worst scenario. It is common to scientists who are front liners of climate research. However, forensic psychiatrist believes climate depression is becoming more common in general population.

Climate protection is reported to be on the cutting block under Donald Trump. While other people or countries may be far from the world's climate disasters, it is hard not to empathize with the victims. Lise Van Susteren said, during a recent climate and health conference in Atlanta, Georgia, that it is painful to see people burned, drowned, flooded and starved due to climate changes.

People who see these kinds of reports on television contribute to the growing number of people suffering from climate depression.

Climate change is a threat multiplier and a root of cause of mental health crisis. Van Susteren tells the story of a 17 year old Australian boy who refuses to drink water because it would cause millions of people to die of thirst. Melbourne Children's Hospital is reported to be full of children suffering from climate depression and anxiety.

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