The Hidden Impact: How Climate Change Affects the Mental Health of Infants and Toddlers

The escalating climate crisis poses a severe and largely overlooked threat to the mental health of society's youngest and most vulnerable, infants and toddlers. Emerging evidence highlights how climate change, through environmental stressors like air pollution, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, is affecting the mental health and development of young children (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023a). These early-life exposures can disrupt brain development, increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, and impair emotional resilience, setting a trajectory for long-term mental health challenges. This blog explores these impacts and outlines system-wide solutions from the APA’s 2023 Mental Health and Our Changing Climate report to protect the mental well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable populations.

Infants and toddlers are highly sensitive to environmental stressors heightened by climate change. During these critical periods, brain development is easily disrupted by factors such as air pollution and extreme heat. According to recent studies, prenatal exposure to these stressors can cause irreversible changes in brain structure, affecting cognitive abilities and emotional regulation (Curtin et al., 2023). For instance, exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) from air pollution has been linked to decreased gray matter volume and increased risks of conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism (Guxens et al., 2022). Moreover, children exposed to extreme heat show signs of emotional distress and increased likelihood of psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression later in life (Vergunst & Berry, 2022). The prenatal period is especially vulnerable; exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy is associated with significant risks for cognitive impairments and behavioral problems (APA, 2023a).

The long-term mental health consequences of early climate change exposure are alarming. Children who experience early environmental stressors are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia, as they grow older (Jagtap et al., 2023). Research has also shown that infants exposed to high temperatures or pollution are at greater risk of cognitive delays and emotional dysregulation (Proulx et al., 2024). This disruption can have long lasting effects on a child’s ability to learn, adapt, and develop healthy social relationships, particularly in communities already facing economic disadvantages and reduced access to healthcare (APA, 2023b). These cumulative effects highlight the critical need for comprehensive early interventions to prevent long-term developmental challenges caused by climate stressors.

System-Wide Solutions and Early Interventions

Fortunately, there are effective solutions to mitigate these risks. The APA’s Mental Health and Our Changing Climate report outlines system-wide approaches to protect the mental health of children in the face of climate change. On a community level, integrating climate-resilient infrastructure, such as safe, green spaces and cooling centers, can help protect vulnerable children from the adverse effects of rising temperatures and air pollution (APA, 2023b). Schools can implement mental health screenings and resilience-building programs to address the mental health impacts of climate-related events on young children. For parents, the APA emphasizes the importance of education and support in managing the emotional toll of climate change on their children. Ensuring parents are equipped to effectively teach and help children navigate their fears about the environment can make a significant difference in reducing long-term psychological harm (APA, 2023a).

The long-term effects of early exposure to climate change demand immediate attention. By implementing early interventions and prioritizing policies that address environmental health risks, we can protect the mental health and development of infants and toddlers. Join ACESWorld in advocating for systemic changes that safeguard our children’s futures. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more and take action.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023a). Mental Health and Climate Change: Youth at Risk. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/10/mental-health-youth-report-2023.pdf

American Psychological Association. (2023b, October). Climate Change Threatens Children’s Mental Health. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/10/climate-change-children-mental-health 

Curtin, P., Austin, C., Grange, Z., & Nigg, J. (2023). Air pollution and developmental disorders: A growing threat to children's health. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(10), 1156–1165. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14758

Guxens, M., Lubczynska, M. J., Perez-Crespo, L., Muetzel, R. L., El Marroun, H., Basagana, X., Hoek, G., & Tiemeier, H. (2022). Associations of air pollution on the brain in children: A brain imaging study. Research.

Jagtap, A., Jagtap, B., Jagtap, R., Lamture, Y., & Gomase, K. (2023). Effects of prenatal stress on behavior, cognition, and psychopathology: A comprehensive review. Cureus, 15(10), e47044. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47044

Proulx, K., Daelmans, B., Baltag, V., & Banati, P. (2024). Climate change impacts on child and adolescent health and well-being: A narrative review. Journal of Global Health, 14, 04061. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.14.04061

 Vergunst, F., & Berry, H. L. (2022). Climate change and children's mental health: A developmental perspective. Clinical Psychological Science, 10(4), 767–785. https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026211040787