Psychology’s international responses to global issues: Collaboration on climate change and COVID-19 Brian Dixon

Brian Dixon is the current Director of Scientific Issues and Co-convenor of the NZPsS Climate Task Force. Brian completed his clinical psychology training and Masters in community service evaluation at the University of Otago. As a senior psychologist in the Hamilton office of the Department of Justice Psychological Services, Brian developed CBT-based residential programmes for violent offenders and when he became Otago/Southland’s Regional Senior Psychologist, was awarded an ANZAC Fellowship to study specialised offender treatment programmes. Brian had been on Otago’s clinical psychology training programme staff and operates a private practice in Dunedin. His research and professional interests include: professional ethics, treatment applications of virtual/mixed reality systems and climate psychology. He was on the NZPsS Ethical Issues Committee for 14 years and its convenor for nine, during which time he actively campaigned for radical changes to the Code of Ethics, which resulted in the current Code.

A timely event knowledge and resources will continue session facilitators, Terri Morrissey Some interesting commonalities to evolve over the months and years and Richard Plenty: “As fellow arise when we stop to consider ahead, in the wake of the COVID-19 psychologists, we knew of the how climate change and the global “coronavirus” pandemic that has swept possibilities this gathering would pandemic are related. There will be around the globe, its transmission present. This was a unique much documented elsewhere on assisted by the inter-connection of the opportunity to bring the key decision the social, cultural, environmental, world’s peoples. makers of international psychological economic and scientific bases for the Lisbon 2019 associations up to speed on the issues associated with climate change, to start connection of these global issues and But, let’s take a step back to the start on the diverse regional and national to build an international professional in early 2019, when the New Zealand community on an urgent global political responses. However, without Psychological Society was invited to venturing further into that territory, challenge where we all potentially have send a representative to attend the a role to play, and to motivate, energise there is a serendipitous connection for International Summit on Psychology psychology in the form of agreements and inspire collaborative action. Most and Global Health being convened importantly, there was the challenge made just last November to form an by the American Psychological international collaborative network of of helping to bring together and unite Association in conjunction with the the diverse group of participants from professional psychology organisations Ordem dos Psicólogos - the Portuguese to share our collective efforts and all over the world around an agreed set Order of Psychologists (OPP). That of outcomes and way forward.” improve our communication on global meeting of psychological associations issues. While the start we made last took place in mid-November in In my role as Director of Scientific year and early in 2020 was focused Lisbon, Portugal, with the brief to Issues and co-convenor of the on psychology’s roles in addressing commit to and develop collaborative Climate Psychology Task Force, I climate change, the substantial work and cooperative approaches that will represented the NZPsS at the Lisbon done in that area has already proven establish the role of psychology as “a Summit and can best describe immeasurably valuable to the new leader in climate action”. At that time the Summit as a momentous and efforts to apply best practice in climate change was seen as the major historic event that brought together psychology to the myriad of issues that priority we needed to begin to address. representatives of 44 psychological have arisen in the first three months associations (38 national societies of 2020. The model for sharing In the words of the Summit and 6 cross-national organisations)

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plus a number of ‘observers’, 4 invited speakers, was also an inspirational keynote speech on the President of Portugal and the Minister of the role of psychology from the President of Health (both for a session on the second day) Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. PROCLAMATION and session facilitators. Agreement was reached One of the 15 presentations was on the “We, representatives on a declaration of the organisations’ collective New Zealand Psychological Society’s climate of national and commitment to combine efforts in the interests psychology work, outlining the current and international of promoting effective climate change action expected effects of climate change from psychological measures, informed by psychological science. Antarctica through to the Pacific islands near the organizations in Pathway to the Summit equator and observing that Māori and the people attendance at the Lisbon Considerable preliminary work on a of the Pacific will be disproportionately affected Inaugural International Proclamation and a draft Resolution from the by the effects of rising sea levels, more frequent Summit on Psychology’s Summit provided definition of how we might and severe storm events, changes in marine life Contributions to Global proceed in translating the commitment to and reduced capacity to grow crops and draw Health, are committed effective action. That preparation in advance of groundwater for sustenance and irrigation. I to ongoing collaboration the Summit (led by Amanda Clinton, senior urged special attention by psychologists to the in the application of director for the APA’s Office of International needs of communities that are vulnerable because psychological science to Affairs and other APA staff) involved thorough of their limited economic and political power. jointly advance progress consultation with organisations about the Our presentation also described the importance on critical global issues, wording and intent of the Proclamation of the relationship with Māori psychologists including the United and Draft Resolution. For the NZPsS, that and the essential role of the NSCBI in the Nations Sustainable consultation extended to the Society’s executive functioning of the Society. Development Goals. and members of the Climate Psychology Task Many of the presenters (us included) highlighted Our commitment of Force and NSCBI. Aotearoa/New Zealand the recent ‘strike for climate’ rallies in their own professional, scientific, psychologists helped shape the documents that countries and I expressed our hope that action by educational, cultural, and were signed at the Summit by asserting the need professionals, by our young people, politicians applied resources will be to acknowledge the importance of the values and and the public as a whole can make a difference directed to advancing experiences of different cultures in determining to the future. those issues and Goals best practice and desired outcomes of climate for which psychology Throughout the Summit, speakers referred to action and to ensure that indigenous voices are offers the greatest the need for collective action, networking and welcomed and empowered by psychology. contribution. sharing of resources to help psychologists better At the Summit inform politicians and educate the public about Our initial efforts will be The Facilitators’ report (Morrissey & Plenty, effective personal and collective action and help focused on Sustainable 2019) summarises the Summit programme as them make changes either required or compelled Development Goal 13: follows: by the changing environmental conditions. Take urgent action to combat climate change What we achieved (from Morrissey & Plenty) “The agenda was structured in such a way as and its impacts. to allow for four substantial guided working • Agreements on the Proclamation and the Our mutual work sessions over the course of the Summit. The Resolution were in themselves significant on applications of first focused on setting the ground rules accomplishments. Even in the absence psychological science to and expectations, while the remaining three of any other outcome or call to action, climate change will also progressed thinking around key “products/ they were major achievements uniting provide a framework outputs” and agreeing a way forward psychologists on a global scale individually, collectively and by interest group and model for future area. • Thirty national associations produced plans collaboration focused for the next six months to be shared with all on proposals to address These working sessions were informed by 15 summit participants - and identified areas critical global issues”. structured presentations on the work already where they were interested in contributing being done by psychological associations, internationally. These plans not only provide interspersed with inputs from the 4 expert guest a summary of and/or focus for local action speakers from Portugal and the United States but also provide insights into the global (the associations organising the summit). There

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situation and possible areas for collaboration • Briefs were produced on topics for urgent international co-operation. Substantial progress was made during the event and further work will take place post Summit to consolidate this. The interest areas were: - Research/science - Communication/media campaigns - Influencing public policy - Educating psychologists on climate change - Developing a toolkit for national associations Psychology Task Force through the speakers all performed impressively. - Building a social network Executive Director of their interest And, naturally, the NZPsS is to be - The ‘one world’ approach in aspects of the CPTF’s work or commended for investing in my travel In agreement with other their willingness to offer skills and and accommodation and ensuring commentators, I note the remarkable time to help advance the objectives representation at this significant event. goodwill of the Summit participants, of the group. The CPTF is eager to And then came both in support of each other and involve psychologists of all training COVID-19… in their commitment to cooperate backgrounds, research areas and fields of practice; all have potential It’s a case of “but wait, there’s more and collaborate on major advances in ..”. And it’s a lot more, most of the role of the profession in helping contributions to make in this area of such significance to the future which we undoubtedly will report people around the world to mitigate, on in the next issue; but here’s the adapt to and cope with the effects of wellbeing of New Zealanders and others. The Society is particularly summary: As I said at the outset, climate change. This resulted in the the agreements made at Lisbon to establishment of strong connections interested at this stage in developing its capacity to respond to the needs of work together and share resources between people from different resulted in establishing networks and continents and from distinctly Māori and Pacific people with regard to climate change impacts and would resource sharing that have provided a different cultural perspectives. I model for the international response returned to New Zealand feeling welcome any offers from members to help with this. of the profession to the COVID-19 confident that the work of our Society pandemic. is better understood and will be The Summit Credits In the two months following the supported by those elsewhere in the The success of the Lisbon event is, Summit, we had set up online world who look to what we are doing in large part, attributable to the meetings of association representatives for inspiration and can also inspire our dedicated work over the months (three calls across different time efforts, as well as offering collaboration before the Summit by the APA’s zones) to develop and discuss plans on projects, research and actions. Office of International Affairs staff for implementing the actions and There was impetus, too, to establish (Amanda Clinton and Juliana commitments made at the Summit. stronger regional networks which for Mayhew), and the OPP team (Sofia We agreed to establish a post- us is the Asia-Pacific and Australasia Ramalho and Tiago Pereira) who Lisbon Summit LISTSRV and a associations. hosted the event. The organisation resource sharing repository and was superb and all those attending We encourage Members and were discussing collaboration on were made to feel very welcome by colleagues to read the Proclamation research and presentations. Then the major sponsors, the APA and from the Summit and the Resolution came the coronavirus, already a OPP. The facilitation team and guest (see panels) and to inform the Climate major problem in China and clearly

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a global threat. Modelled on the systems established after Lisbon, the RESOLUTION APA rapidly created similar resources “WHEREAS there is overwhelming agreement among climate scientists that climate and communication channels for the crisis poses a serious global threat, is occurring faster than previously anticipated, and profession’s international response to a is caused in part by human behavior; second global issue: COVID-19. Many WHEREAS the resistance of some individuals worldwide to accept evidence of of those on the previous group were reflects a variety of psychological, social, economic, and political automatically alerted and invited into factors, including misunderstanding the relevant science; psychological threats the COVID response group and were of departing from the consensus view of one’s peer-group; deliberate exposure to joined by dozens of others across the ; and concerns about financial losses stemming from addressing world. climate crisis; WHEREAS current research and public communication on the impact of climate Throughout our own Level 4 crisis have often emphasized the major physical damage caused by extreme weather, Emergency “lockdown”, it has been such as floods, , hurricanes, and wildfires, and insufficiently addressed the helpful to join one of the twice-weekly increased displacement, migration, and conflict affecting those populations involved; zoom calls and receive updates on WHEREAS developments in other countries, to climate crisis has a disproportionate impact on already vulnerable groups with fewer resources, including low-income individuals or those who live participate in the international sharing in rural areas, people of color, women, children, older adults, and individuals with of resources and to report on our disabilities; endeavours in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Much of the material uploaded to our WHEREAS research shows that climate change-related events can result in major website has been obtained rapidly from acute and chronic adverse outcomes, including stress, trauma, and shock; post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of ; depression; and the COVID resource drive or Listsrv substance use disorder, which have been a secondary consideration in climate change (sometimes adapted for New Zealand communication and action; use) and others have been making use of material we have developed. Already, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that our psychology organizations will advocate for and support international and cross-disciplinary collaboration to mitigate and the larger associations have invited us facilitate adaptation to climate crisis. to participate in relevant webinars and training free of charge and we have We will inform our respective members and the public about climate crisis, benefited from hearing from those emphasizing scientific research and consensus on its causes and short- and long-term who have advanced knowledge of the harms, and the need for immediate personal and societal action; psychological effects of the pandemic We will encourage our members and other mental health leaders to be vocal such as Prof. Buxin Han, President of advocates concerning the necessary preparatory and responsive adaptations to the Chinese Psychological Society. Our climate crisis and to invest more in research and practice is this area; own (President-elect) Dr Waikaremoana We will advocate for Universities and other entities could include formation on Waitoki and colleagues have been societal challenges and, particularly, climate crisis for psychologists and other mental invited to address the international health professionals; network on cultural considerations in We will increase the availability of services and supportive interventions to help the response to COVID. minimize harm to mental health and well-being, especially among vulnerable In many ways, psychology has risen to populations, and increase community resilience; the challenge of an unexpected global We will advocate for the rights of those most susceptible to the negative health, pandemic and was prepared for and and mainly, mental health impacts of climate crisis, for example, by encouraging able to mobilise and respond more policymakers to fully fund programs to aid those who suffer harm from severe efficiently and effectively than most climate crisis-related events; other professions. People around the We will support the development of a public awareness campaign to encourage world have been able to make use of the individuals and communities to adopt behaviors to help prepare for and recover resources that have been widely shared from gradual climate change and acute climate crisis events; and made available to practitioners, We will encourage governmental, educational, health, and corporate leaders to use decision-makers, media and the public. more psychological science in police designs as well as to adopt norms, values, and policy to promote sustainable preventive and corrective behaviors in individuals, groups and communities”.

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APPENDIX Psychology, Risk and Decision-Making.” A summary extracted from the report of the APA’s Office of 4. An open session was held for the general public International Affairs on the Summit: o Francisco Miranda Rodrigues, Order of Portuguese International Summit on Psychology and Global Psychologists: Psychology’s Contributions to SDGs Health: A Leader in Climate Action o Arthur Evans, American Psychological Association: Thursday, November 14th-Saturday, November 16th, 2019 Why Psychology? Why Now? The Case for Global CONVENERS: American Psychological Association (APA) Action Amanda Clinton o Jose Manuel Palma Oliveira, Lisbon University, Portuguese Order of Psychologists (OPP) Janet Swim, The Pennsylvania State University: Tiago Pereira, Sofia Ramalho Climate Change and Psychology: Past, Present and a Better Future Session FACILITATORS: Terri Morrissey and Richard Plenty. o Francisco Ramos, State Secretary for Health, on behalf of the Portuguese Minister of Health… Approximately 37 invited participants representing Psychological associations from across the world plus a o Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal: number of invited observers, presenters and guests. Comments on the Importance of Psychology Summary of 11/14/19 Meeting: Summary of 11/16/19 Meeting: 1. History and purpose of the Summit detailed 2. Dr. Vargas presented a talk titled, “Transformational 1. Areas for urgent international co-operation were Leadership.” identified a. Research/science 3. Proclamation signed by all invited organizations b. Communication/media campaigns (including those unable to be physically represented) c. Influencing public policy indicating a willingness and commitment to working d. Educating psychologists on climate change together as organized psychology in an effort to address e. Developing a toolkit for national associations critical world issues. f. Building a social network 4. Established ground rules and expectations for working g.The “one world” approach together effectively. Engaged in the initial guided 2. Final products developed working session addressed defining progress and future needs regarding climate change initiatives within a. ables identifying next steps, action plans and respective organizations. commitments from participating associations. 5. Associations provided Pecha Kucha presentations on 3. Next steps confirmed a volunteer basis offering updates on their climate- a. A steering committee consisting of Amanda oriented engagement. Clinton (USA), Bernardo Useche (Colombia), 6. Dr. Ava Thompson presented a talk titled, “Rethinking Frances Mirabelli (Australia), Sarb Bajwa (UK), Psychology’s Role in Climate-Related Disasters.” Arthur Evans (USA), Francisco Rodrigues (Portugal), Michael Ezenwa (Nigeria) and Brian Dixon (New Zealand) will be convened to discuss Summary of 11/15/19 Meeting: overall strategy and follow-up. Terri Morrissey and Richard Plenty are also included. 1. Completed guided working session focused on identifying specific areas for continued work to address i.The first Summit Steering Committee climate change and psychology’s potential role and call is scheduled for Friday, January impact. 30th, 2020 2. Dr. Gould presented a talk titled, “Psychology and b. A series of conference calls will be scheduled Climate Change: The Times Have Found Us.” in 2020 at distinct times of day to allow for time zone differences. These are for all Summit 3. Dr. Jose Manuel Palma Oliveira presented a talk titled,

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participants and those who signed on to PROCLAMATION ON the Proclamation and Resolution subsequent to COLLABORATION SIGNED BY the meeting. The aim of the regular calls is to move climate-related initiatives forward across the globe. American Psychological Association, Order i.The first general Summit follow-up calls are scheduled for the 4th, 5th and 6th of of Portuguese Psychologists, Australian February, 2020 Psychological Society, Bahamas Psychological DECISIONS MADE Association, Brazilian Society of Psychology, British Psychological Society, Canandian 1. Summit participants signed a Proclamation and Resolution, formally agreeing to collaboration on Psychological Association, Caribbean Alliance major global issues and, more specifically, on climate of National Psychological Associations, Chinese change. Psychological Society, Asian Psychological 2. Summit participants decided to convene regular Association, College of Psychologists of meetings for follow-up on progress and shared Peru, Colombian College of Psychologists, initiatives. Cuban Society of Health Psychology, Cuban 3. Summit participants committed to follow-through on Society of Psychology, European Federation efforts to advance climate-oriented work in psychology of Psychologists’ Associations, Flemish within their organizations. Association for Clinical Psychologists, German 4. Summit participants agreed to a steering committee. Psychological Society, Guatemala College of 5. Summit participants indicated interest in the Lisbon Psychologists, International Association of Summit model for future engagement for psychology Applied Psychology, International Council to take leadership on global issues. of Psychologists, International Union of Psychological Science, Jamaican Psychological Society, Japanese Psychological Association, Jordanian Clinical Psychologists Association, Lebanese Psychological Association, Mexican Psychological Society, National Psychological Association of Ukraine, New Zealand Psychological Society, Nicaraguan Association for the Development of Psychology, Nigerian Psychological Association, Norwegian Psychological Association, Order of Psychologists of Albania, Pan-African Psychology Union, Psychological Association of Namibia, Psychological Society of Kenya, Seoul National University, Spanish Psychological Association, Sri Lanka Psychological Association, Swedish Psychological Association, Uganda Council of Psychologists, Uruguayan Psychological Association and Zanzibar Professional Counselors Association.

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