D2.508 - Climate Change, Allergic Diseases, and Mental Health in Outdoor Workers: A Transdisciplinary Perspective from CliMent COST Action

Outdoor workers are increasingly exposed to climate-related stressors that amplify both allergic and mental health risks. Rising temperatures, extended pollen seasons, and increased allergen potency—particularly from ragweed, grasses, and tree pollens—combine with air pollution to exacerbate allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Simultaneously, extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and unstable working conditions contribute to eco-anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite this dual vulnerability, outdoor workers remain underrepresented in occupational health and allergy research. The CliMent COST Action CA23113 (Climate Change and Mental Health: Understanding, Risk, Resilience, and Interventions) was established as a transdisciplinary network to address these gaps by promoting resilience and well-being among climate-exposed populations.

To address this gap, we conducted a desk analysis of scientific literature and policy documents, complemented by expert consultations and stakeholder engagement. The analysis explored the interplay between climate-sensitive allergic diseases and psychosocial risks among outdoor workers, identifying sector-specific vulnerabilities and intervention priorities aligned with the objectives of the CliMent COST Action CA23113.

Findings reveal that outdoor workers are disproportionately affected by climate-driven allergic conditions and mental health challenges. Extended pollen seasons and increased allergen exposure worsen allergic symptoms, while psychosocial stressors linked to climate change exacerbate mental health risks. Current occupational health frameworks lack integrated strategies addressing both allergic and psychological dimensions. CliMent activities include mapping evidence, developing conceptual frameworks, and co-creating climate-sensitive interventions with stakeholders to promote resilience and well-being. Results show that there is a need to design a cross-national survey to examine the interplay between climate change, mental health, and allergic conditions among outdoor workers, using a structured approach to capture environmental exposures, psychosocial stressors, and health outcomes across multiple European countries.

The convergence of climate change, allergy, and mental health risks demands urgent, multidisciplinary action. CliMent COST Action CA23113 provides a collaborative platform to advance research, policy, and interventions that integrate allergy prevention and mental health promotion into occupational safety strategies. By fostering inclusivity and engaging researchers from COST Inclusiveness Target Countries, CliMent contributes to a holistic response to climate-related health challenges among vulnerable occupational groups.