Psychologists Face Ethical Duty on Climate Crisis

Why this is here: Psychology organizations in the United States, Canada, and Australia have already issued statements acknowledging climate change as a threat to mental health and well-being.

Psychologists in multiple countries now face an ethical obligation to address the climate crisis. The article reviews ethics codes from psychology organizations and positions professional engagement as a responsibility. Psychologists possess unique skills in research and practice that can support both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

The paper details how psychologists can contribute across various fields—clinical work to conservation—and in multiple roles from students to established professionals. It emphasizes the need for collective action to create systemic change.

However, the article acknowledges that simply identifying a duty does not solve the problem of how to best mobilize psychologists. Further work remains to translate ethical obligations into effective strategies and widespread engagement. The authors hope to empower psychologists to address this pressing issue.