Lessons from neuroscience reveal the deadly impacts of climate change - and provide solutions for policymakers
A new study links climate change and pollution to disrupted neural development and wellbeing.
The study, which explores the interconnection of neuroscience and climate change, also reveals how brain mechanisms underlying habit formation and reward processing could be harnessed to promote sustainable choices.
Dr Chitaranjan Mahapatra, from Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, will be presenting his study, ‘Bridging Neuroscience and Climate Action: Uncovering the Brain-Environment Nexus’, at the MInoritised Life Scientists Future Forum in Birmingham at the end of this month.
The conference, the first of its kind in the UK, will be held in the ICC Birmingham from March 31 to April 2.
“The climate crisis endangers ecosystems, economies, and human well-being, yet its neurological and psychological effects remain insufficiently explored. Environmental stressors such as pollution, rising temperatures, and toxins disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, hindering brain development in children and intensifying mental health disorders,” Dr Mahapatra said.
“Beyond an ecological emergency, climate change presents a profound neurological threat. For instance, air pollution levels in cities like Delhi, where PM2.5 concentrations exceed WHO limits by 20 times, are linked to a 30% rise in childhood cognitive impairments. Low-income populations near industrial areas face elevated risks of neurodevelopmental disorders due to lead exposure.
“At the same time, climate-related disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, have doubled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates in affected regions, highlighting the severe mental health consequences of environmental upheaval. Additionally, consumer behaviors driven by neural reward systems prioritize convenience over sustainability, accelerating environmental degradation.
“This research fills a crucial gap by exploring how neuroscience can shape policies to safeguard both planetary and brain health. It seeks to answer a vital question: How can neuroscience guide interventions to reduce climate-related harms while fostering pro-environmental behavior?”
Dr Mahapatra outlined how the work had analyzed decades of peer-reviewed studies, integrating findings from neuroscience, environmental science, psychology, and public health.
“First, we identified how neurotoxins like lead and air pollution disrupt neural development, particularly in low-income communities near industrial zones. Second, we linked climate-induced stressors—extreme weather, displacement, and eco-anxiety—to rising rates of depression and PTSD.
“Third, behavioral neuroscience revealed how brain mechanisms underlying habit formation and reward processing could be harnessed to promote sustainable choices, such as reducing plastic use or adopting renewable energy. A key discovery was the "neuroplasticity of behavior" - interventions targeting brain circuits related to empathy and long-term planning (e.g., immersive virtual reality simulations of climate impacts) increased pro-environmental actions by 40% in trial populations. Additionally, prenatal exposure to air pollution correlated with a 15% higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, underscoring the urgency of regulating pollutants.”
Dr Mahapatra admits he was struck by the extent to which neuroscience can shape climate policy.
“Neuroimaging studies revealing how eco-anxiety activates stress pathways led governments to allocate funding for climate mental health programs. Similarly, behavior-change campaigns leveraging neural reward mechanisms proved highly effective, contradicting the assumption that the public resists sustainability efforts,” he said.
“In Japan, campaigns utilizing intrinsic neural rewards led to a 35% reduction in single-use plastics, demonstrating the power of positive reinforcement over punitive measures. These findings align with behavioral economics, reinforcing the effectiveness of “nudges” that tap into natural reward systems to drive pro-environmental behavior.”
The findings are particularly valuable to decision-makers, Dr Mahapatra said. By presenting environmental protection as essential for brain health, decision-makers can prioritize policies that limit exposure to neurotoxins and develop interventions aligned with how the brain perceives risk and reward. This approach transforms scientific insights into practical strategies, strengthening resilience in at-risk populations.
For example, positioning air quality regulations as a means of safeguarding cognitive function could increase public and political support. Economically, reducing neurodevelopmental disorders through pollution control could save an estimated $200 billion annually in healthcare costs.
Additionally, urban green spaces—proven to enhance prefrontal cortex function—illustrate how policies can simultaneously support mental well-being and environmental sustainability.
“Neuroscience must transcend academia to drive climate action. Governments should establish ‘neuro-climate task forces’, integrating scientists into policy-making. By prioritizing brain health, we craft empathetic strategies resonating with human instincts,” Dr Mahapatra said.
“As wildfires rage and seas rise, this research illuminates a path forward—where protecting our planet safeguards our minds. The time for neuro-informed climate leadership is now.”
The Minoritised Life Sciences Future Forum conference (MLSFF) takes place from 31st March to 2nd April 2025 at the ICC Birmingham.
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