Role of the arts and culture in addressing the health impacts of climate change

Abstract

Climate change is a growing public health emergency whose impacts extend beyond physical illness to mental, social and cultural well being. Technical solutions alone are insufficient: effective climate–health action also requires cultural transformation that addresses the values, behaviours and social norms driving environmental harm. This policy brief synthesizes evidence from a rapid literature review, an international expert survey and global case studies to examine how arts and culture can strengthen climate–health responses. Findings show that arts based approaches make climate–health links more tangible, improve risk communication and enhance public understanding by translating complex science into accessible, emotionally resonant forms. Participatory and community based arts activities support adaptation and resilience by providing spaces to process eco anxiety, trauma and loss, strengthening social connection and enabling collective agency. Emerging examples also highlight contributions to mitigation through shifts in norms, practices and sustainable cultural production. Despite growing public demand and increasing recognition in global frameworks, arts and culture remain underutilized in climate–health policy. The brief outlines priority actions for integrating cultural approaches into mitigation, adaptation and communication efforts and calls for coordinated investment, partnership and research to scale effective, equitable and culturally grounded climate–health strategies.