When Science Finds a Way

How can we respond to extreme heat and its effect on mental health?​

May 20, 2026·47 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

We want to hear from you! Please tell us a bit about your experience by filling out our short listener survey. Everyone who completes it is entered into a draw for a £50 gift card. 👉  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SX6X8X3?source=shownotes Closes 28 May.  *** We know how extreme heat impacts us physically, but science is still uncovering its effects on mental health.  Professor Andrea Mechelli tells Alisha Wainwright what analysing millions of datapoints is teaching us, we hear from participants in his London-based research about their struggles with heat and mental health, and Mete Çoban, London's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, talks about efforts to future-proof the city.  Looking beyond London, Dr Benedict Weobong explains why his research in Ghana and Zimbabwe shows that local context is crucial for dealing with heat-related mental health issues, and Alisha explores how reconnecting with nature - and each other - could also help us tackle the causes of rising heat.  *** Mentioned in this episode and further reading:    'People who live near green space are less likely to struggle with mental health issues' - Professor Andrea Mechelli (<a class= "Hyperlink SCXW263851856 BCX8" href= "https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/m

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