A new investigation reveals how children exposed to Hurricane Sandy in utero face higher psychiatric condition risks, offering insights into the broader impacts of climate change on brain health.
In short:
- Yoko Nomura's study highlights a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and ADHD risks in children exposed prenatally to Hurricane Sandy.
- This research contributes to understanding how climate-related stressors can alter gene expression, affecting neurological and psychiatric outcomes.
- The findings underscore the pressing need to consider the neurodegenerative impacts of the climate crisis, including on children and future generations.
Key quote:
“We’re not thinking about any of this. We’re not getting our healthcare systems ready. We’re not doing anything in terms of prevention or protections.”
— Burcin Ikiz, a neuroscientist at the mental-health philanthropy organisation the Baszucki Group
Why this matters:
The conversation around climate change often centers on environmental and physical health impacts, but the psychological and neurological consequences are profound and far-reaching. The link between prenatal stress due to natural disasters and child psychiatric disorders is a poignant reminder of the unseen and enduring impact of these catastrophic events.