Impact of Climate Change on Brain Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective from Early-Career Clinician-Scientists

In this narrative review, a panel of early-career clinician-scientists within the Swiss Federation of Clinical Neuro-Societies (YouCliN-SFCNS) present an interdisciplinary overview of how climate change-related factors influence brain health across clinical neuroscience. Drawing on insights from experts in diverse neuroscience specialties and climate science, we explore emerging links between environmental stressors and brain health, examine their clinical implications, and propose potential mitigation strategies. We provide a concise synthesis of current knowledge on the intersection of climate change with neurological and mental health, highlighting key priorities for future research. Stressors, such as displacement resulting from natural disasters, ecosystem disruptions, and extreme ambient temperatures, are poised to have significant impacts on the neuroscience landscape in Switzerland and worldwide. Few studies investigate the mechanisms and potential effects of climate change on brain health, hindering the development of effective mitigation strategies and policies. Understanding how anthropological climate change-related environmental changes affect brain health and disease is increasingly urgent. By highlighting knowledge gaps and emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research, our review aims to promote research and practice, ultimately enhancing resilience, informing public health policies, and guiding clinical interventions for the increasing threats of climate change.