CLIMATE-RELATED events and their adversities have a profound impact on the mental health of many Filipinos, especially among agricultural workers and those living in vulnerable communities. Hence, mental health care should be accessible to all members of our society, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The need becomes more urgent considering the findings of a Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. study that say that there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals for every 100,000 Filipinos.

These were the issues raised by John Jamir Benzon Aruta, associate professor of psychology at De La Salle University in an employee learning session held by life insurer Pru Life UK. Aruta, an expert on environmental psychology, as well as mental and planetary health, discussed the intersection of climate change and health in the PRUCommunity Day, Pru Life UK's employee gathering that celebrates diversity and promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion.