When fossil fuels burn, they release microscopic particles in the air, which comprise 80% of air pollution, along with ground ozone and industrial by-products. Fossil fuel particles are defined in sizes of 1 micron (Ultrafine particles, or UFPs), 2.5 microns, (PM 2.5) and 10 microns (PM 10). Over 500 of the UFPs can fit across a single human hair: these particles are very, very small.

In recent years, the relationship between the adverse health effects of climate change and exposure to toxic chemicals and other pollutants has become clear. In the case of air pollutants and climate change, the connection is direct and closely correlated by virtue of a common element: combustion of fossil fuels. Burning of coal, oil and natural gas is the major human-caused contribution to rising carbon dioxide (87%) levels.

One would be wise to wonder why, with all the factual scientific data, do we as a species dependent on the health of this planet, seem to ignore the warnings about our climate change emergency. The British psychoanalyst Sally Weintrobe, in her book “Engaging with Climate Change : Psychoanalytic and interdisciplinary perspectives” describes the problem psychodynamically as being about anxiety.

Nostalgia is defined as a sense longing for the past. An uncomfortable mental experience of remembering what used to be and aching to return. Mostly experienced as a negative emotion; missing the past, happy times or places. For example, refugees that flee their homes could experience nostalgia as they miss the comfort that was derived from that environment.

The impacts of disasters due to extreme weather events, wildfires, floods are well documented and easy to visualize and comprehend; there is a one-two punch quality.

Although climate disruption is already affecting all of us in some way now and will continue to worsen as climate effects increase, the effects are not uniform.

Research has demonstrated that climate change is already causing and will continue to cause a series of health impacts that vary across different regions of the world.

People’s health status and the community environments in which they live are among the most important factors in determining the ability to survive and thrive in the face of climate change.

An important emerging field at the intersection of mental health and climate is the exploration of the long term psychic effects of climate destabilization.

The correlations of climate change on the increased incidence and severity of natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, extreme snowstorms and subsequent adverse impact on the health and mental health of populations have been well documented.

In the realm of climate science, some things are settled. The earth is warming because of human activities. Burning fossil fuels is the major contributor to climate.

The traumas resulting from more frequent and intense storms, floods, wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, and other acute and slower moving disasters, as well as chronic toxic stress create and aggravate serious bio-psycho-social-spiritual problems.

Suicide deaths have received a lot of public and professional attention with the recent publication by the Centers for Disease Control  (1) of an unprecedented 30% increase in the US between 2000 and 2016; and the recent suicide deaths of celebrities Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.

Emotions wheels have been a visual tool used by psychologists for decades to help people better understand and interpret their own feelings. This Climate Emotions Wheel is based on the research of Panu Pihkala at the University of Helsinki

Few things are as certain among scientists as climate change. Political posturing aside, it is an accepted fact that human activities, especially burning fossil fuels and raising beef for human consumption, are increasing the earth’s temperature.