Extreme Weather Hits Women's Mental Health

Women living in informal settlements in Nairobi are facing increased mental health problems due to extreme weather conditions. Research found that heat, cold, and drought can cause anxiety and depression, while heavy rain has a neutral effect. However, the impact of these weather events on mental health is significantly reduced for women who earn higher incomes. In fact, those earning below $87 a month experience severe mental health issues during extreme heat, while those with higher incomes are less affected. This highlights the critical role of financial stability in mitigating the psychological impacts of climate extremes, and suggests that targeted financial interventions could help protect vulnerable communities.