What Is There to Gain? A Systematic Review on Psychosocial Co-Benefits of Climate Policies

Abstract

Background: Climate change poses major risks to psychosocial health, yet little is known about potential psychosocial co-benefits of climate policies. This systematic review examines (A) psychosocial co-benefits associated with climate policy measures and (B) moderating factors shaping these effects. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, k = 21 studies were identified and analysed using a PICOS framework and narrative synthesis. Results: Climate policies, particularly air pollution control, environmental taxation, and nature-based urban interventions, were associated with improvements in subjective well-being, mental health, and social cohesion. Effects were moderated by environmental improvements and physical health gains, and varied by socioeconomic status, age, and contexts such as schools or rural vs. urban locations. Access to and actual use of interventions emerged as relevant but understudied mechanisms. Some studies indicated trade-offs, including unequal distribution of benefits and unintended social effects. Conclusions: Overall, climate policies can generate psychosocial co-benefits, but evidence remains heterogeneous and methodologically limited. Future research should strengthen causal inference, standardise outcome measures, and examine long-term and distributional effects.