International Neuro Climate Working Group Recognized by World Economic Forum as a Leading Initiative on Climate and Mental Health

May 28, 2025

We are thrilled to share that the International Neuro Climate Working Group (NCWG) has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the top five global initiatives addressing the mental health impacts of climate change. This recognition, announced in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, highlights the growing global attention to the urgent and underfunded intersection of climate change and mental wellbeing.

Founded in 2024, NCWG brings together scientists, clinicians, public health experts, and policymakers from more than 40 countries. Our mission is to harness diverse expertise to better understand and address how environmental change affects brain health, from eco-anxiety and trauma to cognitive decline and community disconnection.

In just one year, our group has:

• Developed a comprehensive global report on climate change and brain health (to be released soon)

• Launched multi-country research collaborations

• Designed educational tools for broad audiences

• Advocated for brain health at major international platforms, including the UN General Assembly, WHO Global Conference, and COP

We are now expanding our work through a new community-driven initiative that partners directly with frontline communities. This effort includes:

• Documenting traditional and local adaptation strategies

• Advancing biological and epidemiological research on environmental exposures

• Co-creating culturally grounded, scalable interventions that protect brain health and strengthen resilience in the face of accelerating environmental change

We are humbled to be recognized alongside other remarkable initiatives, including United for Global Mental Health, the Climate Cares Centre, and the Climate Mental Health Network, all of whom are doing pioneering work in this field and with whom we are proud to collaborate.

As the World Economic Forum emphasized, mental health systems worldwide remain chronically underfunded, receiving just 2.1% of national health budgets and less than 1% of international health aid. Yet, communities across the globe are stepping up with innovative, local solutions and we are honored to be part of this vital movement.

Read the full World Economic Forum feature here.