Bilikis Adefunke Babarinde PhD.
Climate change is a global issue that affects both the environment and mental health. Information professionals, such as librarians, archivists and climate information specialists, play crucial roles in raising awareness and supporting those impacted. This study explores how these professionals can help mitigate the mental health effects of climate change through a review of existing literature. The study found that factors like extreme temperatures, humidity and natural disasters are linked to increased mental health issues, such as psychological distress and higher suicide rates. It emphasises the role of climate information services and libraries in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing accurate data, promoting sustainability and empowering communities. The study also showed that libraries have become important community centers that promote health, wellbeing and social support, offering safe spaces to address issues like loneliness, mental health and digital literacy. Information professionals, like librarians, employ unique skills to help reduce the mental health effects of climate change. Libraries and information centers should, therefore, offer a wide range of reliable resources on climate change and mental health, including academic research, policy documents and practical guides. These resources should be available in different formats, both digital and print, to aid easy accessibility.