Transforming health psychology and behavioral medicine to address the climate crisis: A call for strategic research and advocacy.

Abstract

Objective: The climate crisis poses the largest threat to human health and survival and has been a public health emergency for many years. It is causing harmful consequences for physical and mental health and is amplifying existing health inequities. In this call to action, we highlight the relevance of the health psychology and behavioral medicine communities in addressing the health impacts of climate change.

Method: We identify mitigation and adaptation climate health behaviors and social changes needed that underlie the three essential objectives to address climate change and its associated health consequences: (a) rapid decarbonization, (b) drawdown of atmospheric heat-trapping gases (sequestration), and (c) adaptation.

Results: To advance the behavioral and systemic changes necessary to protect health, we propose a 1-2-3 Transformational Model in which the larger field of health psychology and behavioral medicine promotes (1) One Health, human and planetary health by (2) targeting climate health behaviors, and (3) social change across major professional areas, including research, interventions, and education/advocacy. We urge the adoption of the social quantum change paradigm, a systems approach to understanding the process of social change, where systemic change is viewed as local to global, and the individual has an influential role.

Discussion: These shifts in views, priorities, and methods will bolster hope, collective efficacy, and action to support the next generation of health psychology and behavioral medicine professionals. With these changes, the health psychology and behavioral medicine communities can have a more immediate and meaningful impact on the climate crisis and its associated health consequences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).