Main theme 4 : Mental health in relation to the environment

La Camargue est un territoire confronté à de multiples pressions environnementales : élévation du niveau de la mer, salinisation des sols, canicules, inondations, pollutions, risques infectieux émergents. Ces transitions rapides, souvent perçues comme irréversibles, peuvent générer un sentiment d’impuissance ou d’angoisse face à la dégradation de l’environnement. Ces ressentis s’inscrivent dans ce que l’on nomme aujourd’hui eco-anxiety or Such emotional responses are now referred to as eco-anxiety or solastalgia— : une détresse psychique liée aux bouleversements environnementaux, au changement climatique, à l’érosion du vivant, encore peu étudiées en Camargue alors que les facteurs de vulnérabilité y sont nombreux.

At the same time, the region offers a powerful sensory and emotional connection to naturewhose beneficial effects on mental health are well established, but poorly explored at the local level. Between perceived risks and psychological resources provided by nature, it has become crucial to better understand how such perceptions influence the well-being, behaviours, and capacity for action of Camargue residents. This line of research explores the psychological impact of ecological crises,the social and territorial inequalities in vulnerability and resilience,and potential levers for support and preventionin close collaboration with healthcare professionals, environmental actors, and local stakeholders.

Several projects are linked to this theme, including 2 funded projects:

• The TRANSCAM project
• The Salt Trial

Some references:

• Sutter, P.-E., Chamberlin S. & Messmer L. (2025). Eco-anxiety in France (2025 study). ADEME. 86 pages.
• Weiss, K. (2022). Eco-anxiety. Environmental psychology: 100 key concepts, 85-86
• Albrecht, G., Sartore, G. M., Connor, L., Higginbotham, N., Freeman, S., Kelly, B., ... & Pollard, G. (2007). Solastalgia: the distress caused by environmental change. Australasian psychiatry, 15(1_suppl), S95-S98.