Climate change represents one of the greatest threats to health in Peru and around the world. Its impacts are not only physical, but also emotional and psychosocial. Evidence shows that extreme climate events, such as the Coastal El Niño phenomenon (2017) and Cyclone Yaku (2023), have increased the prevalence of depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and other mental health challenges in the most affected communities.

From De-Mentes, we present a new research report that explores the intersection between mental health and climate change, within the framework of World Mental Health Day—whose 2025 theme focuses on mental health in the context of emergencies and disasters—as well as the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil and the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan. This document seeks to provide evidence on the impact of extreme climate events on mental health, deepen understanding of Peru’s experience in this field, examine global and national commitments, and analyze the public policies currently being implemented in the country in this area.

Although Peru has made progress in establishing climate change regulations and adaptation plans, mental health is not explicitly or prominently integrated into the national climate agenda. This gap limits the capacity to respond to increasingly frequent and severe extreme climate events.

The study reveals a disconnect between regulatory commitments and their actual implementation: climate planning instruments prioritize physical impacts—such as infrastructure damage or impacts on general health—while psychosocial impacts receive limited attention. Furthermore, there is a lack of disaggregated data, dedicated funding, and intersectoral coordination mechanisms that would enable a comprehensive response that is not only reactive, but above all preventive.

To address this challenge, the report proposes seven key priorities:

1. Identify more accurately the challenges and solutions related to the effects of climate change on mental health.
2. Establish a clear framework to prioritize the most vulnerable populations.
3. Strengthen climate-resilient health systems capable of anticipating, responding to, and adapting to climate-related disruptions.
4. Promote intersectoral coordination across all levels of government.
5. Increase the generation of local evidence.
6. Allocate dedicated funding for prevention, research, and response.
7. Increase the participation of civil society and citizens to advocate for stronger and more effective public policies.

Climate change is deepening existing inequalities and creating a silent mental health emergency. Ignoring this dimension risks undermining progress toward universal health coverage. Therefore, it is urgent for public, private, and civil society actors to coordinate efforts to integrate mental health into climate adaptation policies, thereby ensuring a more equitable, resilient, and healthy future for all communities in Peru.

This report seeks to generate evidence to support dialogue between the State, civil society, and citizens. Making mental health visible in the context of climate change is not only a public health issue, but also a matter of social justice, human rights, and sustainable development. The window for action is open: bridging the gap between discourse and action is a collective and urgent responsibility.