Neuro Climate Working Group
Who We Are:
The Neuro Climate Working Group (NCWG) is a global interdisciplinary alliance of scientists, clinicians, policy experts, and climate advocates focused on the crucial intersection of climate change and brain health. With expertise ranging from neuroscience to epidemiology, we harness diverse perspectives to address the impacts of environmental changes on neurological and mental well-being globally. We are committed to conducting innovative research and engaging in effective advocacy to build a robust evidence base and translate this knowledge into actionable strategies at local, regional, national, and global levels.
We are proud to have over 58 members representing more than 17 different countries, demonstrating the global commitment and collaborative spirit of our alliance. (You can view our list of members below.)
Our Mission:
Our mission is to enhance understanding and address the impacts of climate change on brain health through interdisciplinary collaboration, groundbreaking research, and strategic advocacy. We are dedicated to merging insights from neuroscience with environmental science to investigate how climate-related factors affect neurological function and mental well-being. We aim to improve public health outcomes worldwide by providing informed, science-based responses to these emerging challenges.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to establish a world where local, regional, national, and global policies are informed by robust scientific evidence about the brain health effects of climate change and pollution. We strive to foster resilient communities equipped with the knowledge and resources to combat the health challenges posed by our changing environment. Ultimately, we seek to ensure that brain health is a central consideration in climate resilience strategies worldwide, supporting equitable and sustainable health outcomes for all populations.
Our Rationale:
Climate change is an unprecedented global challenge that impacts various aspects of human health, including neurological and mental well-being. However, research in this area remains fragmented and underdeveloped, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are most vulnerable to climate impacts. There is a critical need to consolidate existing scientific evidence to better understand the scope of these effects, identify research deficits, and provide clear, actionable guidance for both the scientific/medical community and policymakers.
Our Guiding Principles:
Our guiding principles reflect our dedication to advancing brain health in the context of climate change:
- Commitment to Ethics and Governance: We uphold the highest standards of ethics and good governance in all our activities.
- Commitment to Collaboration: We foster collaboration across various diseases, disciplines, institutions, sectors, and countries to enrich our research and initiatives.
- Commitment to Coordinated Action: We engage in collective and coordinated actions, adopting an ecosystem approach to address complex challenges holistically.
- Commitment to Community Engagement: We bridge scientific research and real-world experiences by working closely with communities to set research priorities and ensure that the benefits of research positively impact people’s quality of life swiftly.
- Commitment to Open Science: We promote data sharing and open science to accelerate progress and facilitate equitable access to scientific evidence, enhancing its application to policy and practice.
- Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We are committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion among researchers and within research focuses. This encompasses considering biological and non-biological variability in populations both within countries and globally.
- Commitment to Sustainability: We prioritize sustainability in all our operations and research initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that our work not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to the long-term health of the planet and its communities, promoting practices that reduce environmental impact and preserve resources for future generations.
Our Resources
Articles
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“Climate change and disorders of the nervous system” by Sisodiya S et al., Lancet Neurology, June 2024.
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“Neurology and climate change” by Junck L et al., Lancet Neurology, June 2024.
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“Everybody has a breaking point: how the climate crisis affects our brains” by Clayton Page Aldern, Guardian, March 2024.
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“Leveraging neuroscience for climate change research” by Doell KC, Nature Climate Change, November 2023.
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“Neurobiology and changing ecosystems: Toward understanding the impact of anthropogenic influences on neurons and circuits” by Michaiel AM et al., Front. Neural Circuits, November 2022.
Current Funding Opportunities in Neurobiology/Neuroscience and Changing Ecosystems (NCE):
Books
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The Weight of Nature by Clayton Page Aldern
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Children’s Health and the Peril of Climate Change by Frederica Perera
Groups & Other Resources
Contact Burcin Ikiz (she/her), PhD, at burcin@econeuro.org