Our story
Why we exist
We exist to generate evidence, raise awareness, foster connections and build supportive tools, so that communities, decision-makers and organisations globally can protect mental health in a changing climate and take meaningful climate action that benefits mental health and wellbeing.
Who we are
We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers, policy experts and educators at Imperial College London. The Centre is a partnership between the Institute of Global Health Innovation and the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment.
What we do
We are the first Centre of Excellence working to understand and support mental health in the current climate and ecological crises.
Climate change and mental health are closely linked
Climate change is a risk multiplier for poor mental health, compounding the likelihood of mental health challenges and worsening outcomes for people living with these conditions.
Conversely, climate action is an opportunity multiplier for mental health and wellbeing. Psychological resilience is a key pillar of climate resilience and collective action can protect mental health from the negative impacts of a changing climate.
Vicious and Virtuous Cycle
Vicious virtuous cycle
Since 2019, Climate Cares has grown from an idea to an internationally recognised Centre that connects and innovates to cultivate a future safer for the climate and mental health. The Climate Cares Centre plays a pivotal role in shaping a field that centres the importance of connection – of ideas and peoples. Dr Emma Lawrance Climate Cares Centre Lead and Mental Health Lead at Institute of Global Health Innovation
Meet the Climate Cares Centre team
Dr Emma Lawrance
Dr Emma Lawrance
Climate Cares Centre Lead
Jessica Newberry Le Vay
Jessica Newberry Le Vay
Climate Change and Health Policy Fellow
Dr Neil Jennings
Dr Neil Jennings
Partnership Development Manager, Grantham Institute