The Albanese Government is committed to addressing the human health impacts of climate change, with $6 million for Australia’s leading researchers to study and combat the mental health challenges of climate change.
The Australian Government has awarded $6 million to 3 new research projects through the Medical Research Future Fund.
Projects will study and devise methods to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by climate change, with a particular focus on First Nations people.
Adelaide University, the University of Melbourne and the Menzies School of Health Research have each been awarded almost $2 million each to research, advise on policy, and implement local community strategies. Each of these projects was identified through a competitive application process, and assessed by independent assessment committees.
Climate change disproportionately affects First Nations communities as the distress of unprecedented droughts, longer summers and continued extreme weather events lead to heritage and environmental loss. Two of the three projects will include a focus on the experience of First Nations communities.
Full details of the awarded grants are in the table below.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“The grants from the Albanese Government will provide some of Australia’s top researchers with the funds they need to improve mental health support for Australian’s impacted by climate change.
“These projects will deliver a range of practical, community-led responses to emerging mental health challenges with an important focus on First Nations communities impacted by climate change.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“Two in five young people experience mental health challenges each year. These aren’t just numbers – they’re our family, our friends, our teammates and our colleagues.
“We’re living through challenging times, and supporting the mental health of Australians remains a clear priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to speak with a health professional at your local Medicare Mental Health Centre or reach out to headspace.”
| Applicant name | Organisation | Project Title | Project Description | Grant Value (GST exclusive) |
| Associate Professor Toby Freeman | Adelaide University | Helping prevent mental health deterioration at scale: Mitigating the population mental health impacts from climate breakdown-related loss or anticipated loss of heritage | As climate breakdown intensifies, communities are increasingly experiencing psychological distress. In particular, the loss or anticipated loss of natural and cultural heritage, including cherished landscapes, ecosystems, and culturally significant places, can lead to grief, distress and anxiety. This project will deliver practical resources for communities and the mental health system, and actionable policy recommendations to mitigate mental health impacts of heritage and environmental loss. | $1,942,278.00 |
| Associate Professor Supriya Mathew | Menzies School of Health Research | Pintupi-led climate yarning to mitigate climate change-related mental health risks | In partnership with Pintupi people and the Pintupi Homelands Health Service, the project will co-design, implement, and evaluate strategies and resources aimed at reducing both current and emerging mental health risks linked to climate-related stress. By working closely with the community and local stakeholders, the project will empower residents and remote health staff to take an active role in addressing the social and emotional wellbeing challenges brought on by climate change. | $1,997,077.60 |
| Professor Victoria Palmer | University of Melbourne | Gathering the parts, making the whole: Lost but not Forgotten, participatory ecosystems to mitigate impacts of climate change on mental health | Climate changes disproportionately impact Indigenous communities, and younger generations are expressing increased eco-grief and eco-anxieties. Across 50 remote art and cultural centres, communities of the Great Southern region of WA, Tennant Creek in NT and a national story sharing project, we will illustrate how participatory ecosystems protect culture, Country and offer two-way learning to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change and co-design prevention for future generations. | $1,994,458.10 |
| Total Commitment Expenditure (GST exclusive) | $5,933,813.70 | |||
