From Evidence to Action: Climate Change, Flooding and Mental Health

There is increasing international evidence that the impacts of climate change, including flooding, can significantly influence population mental health and wellbeing. These risks are not evenly distributed, with some population groups disproportionately affected by poorer outcomes.

Events like flooding will only become more frequent and severe in the decades ahead, and evidence shows that levels of household preparedness across Scotland are very low. Yet, translating this evidence into effective, preventative policy and practice – as well as capacity building in community and mental health services – remains a key challenge.

This event will guide key stakeholders from the climate, public health, mental health and third sectors through recent evidence about how climate impacts affect mental health and wellbeing, the pathways to poorer outcomes, who is most at risk, and which preventative and early interventions are most effective. The following evidence will feature:

• (ClimateXChange, 2025)
• (UK Health Security Agency, 2025)
• Reducing the mental health and wellbeing impacts of flooding: Informing cross-policy action in Scotland (Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), due to be published May 2026))

Following this, we will be launching a new household flood plan template which aims to support households across Scotland better prepare for flooding. The project team will showcase how behavioural evidence and co-creation principles were used to inform its design, translating evidence into action, and what future steps could increase uptake.

• Household flood plans in Scotland – applying behavioural learnings to inform best practice and uptake (CREW report due to publish in May 2026)

The format is likely to be a plenary session presenting the findings of each of the reports, followed by a series of interactive discussions to enable participants to focus on particular areas of interest.

Full agenda details will be confirmed soon.

• support stakeholders in prioritising policy and delivery to reduce the risk of poor mental health outcomes across the full spectrum from climate adaptation to recovery
• present behavioural insights and evidence to support those engaging householders with their flood risk, including launching a plan with simple actions householders can take to build their resilience to flooding
• showcase the power of co-creation through demonstrating evidence-informed resource development
• provide an opportunity to discuss emerging recommendations, and explore opportunities for action and collaboration
• help identify key evidence gaps and priorities for future research

A public mental health approach highlights the importance of prevention. This can be achieved through:

• addressing the social, economic and environmental factors that increase the risk of poor climate-related mental health outcomes
• delivering preparedness in a way that considers mental health and wellbeing
• providing early interventions following climate impacts such as flooding

The event also showcases the power of behavioural evidence and co‑creation in developing evidence-informed resources that address the real and enduring challenges climate change poses. The resulting Scottish household flood plan is a low-cost, practical resource that will support households in strengthening their preparedness for flooding.

This is an invite-only event. Please register your interest now.

We aim to ensure a broad range of participants from different organisations, professions and areas of Scotland. While we finalise numbers and venue capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot to everyone. However, we do expect to be able to offer places to most on the list.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: [email protected]

This event is hosted by ClimateXChange, CREW, Public Health Scotland and Scottish Government and will be in-person in Edinburgh. Refreshments will be provided. Please include your dietary and access requirements when registering.

Details of the agenda and venue will be confirmed soon.

Photo credit: Scott Masterton. Source: Getty images.

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