Mental health impacts of climate migration: Urban adaptation and mitigation challenges in Southwestern Bangladesh

Abstract

This study explores the mental health impacts of climate migration in Khulna City, focusing on the urban adaptation and mitigation challenges faced by migrants. As climate-induced environmental changes like salinity intrusion, riverbank erosion, and flooding increasingly affect rural areas of southwestern Bangladesh, large numbers of people are migrating to urban centers in search of safety and stability. The study employs qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 100 climate migrants in Khulna. The findings reveal significant psychosocial stress among migrants, manifesting in issues such as anxiety, depression, and ecological grief. Overcrowded living conditions, lack of green spaces, and limited social support exacerbate these mental health challenges, underscoring the need for urban adaptation policies that prioritize both physical infrastructure and psychosocial well-being. This research highlights the importance of integrating mental health services into urban planning to address the unique needs of climate migrants. Additionally, the study emphasizes the role of social networks and community-based support in facilitating migrants' integration and emotional recovery. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners to develop more inclusive and resilient urban strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by climate migrants.