Primary Convener:
Azar Abadi, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Convener:
Dennis Stolle, American Psychological Association
Daniel Dodgen, Consulting Psychologist

Early Career Convener:
Olivia Blanton, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chair:
Azar Abadi, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Olivia Blanton, University of Alabama at Birmingham

As climate change accelerates, its toll on psychological well-being toll is increasingly evident, especially in regions repeatedly exposed to specific natural hazards. While all-hazard frameworks have traditionally guided disaster mental health planning, there is growing recognition of the need to address specific risks like tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme heat. This is especially relevant in the U.S. Deep South, where these hazards are intensifying in frequency, severity, and psychological impact. This session invites research examining the mental health consequences of distinct climate-related hazards. We welcome interdisciplinary abstracts focused on individual hazard types, multi-hazard comparisons, or methods for hazard-specific risk assessment and mental health surveillance. Topics may include trauma, PTSD, eco-anxiety, displacement, and strategies for building psychological resilience—particularly in underserved or high-risk populations. This session highlights how specific weather hazards impact psychological well-being in the U.S., and promotes prevention, targeted preparedness, risk-informed planning, and community resilience amid escalating threats.

Index Terms
0230 Impacts of climate change: human health
0240 Public health
4330 Vulnerability
4332 Disaster resilience

Suggested Itineraries:
Disasters‚ Calamities and Extreme Events
Environmental Justice

Cross-Listed:
NH - Natural Hazards
SY - Science and Society

Neighborhoods:
1. Science Nexus