Wellbeing impacts of climate change

Understanding the relationship between environment and wellbeing to create nature-based solutions for mental health resilience in urban areas

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

A rapidly changing climate and environment are negatively impacting on the health of Australians. Increased frequency of extreme heat and weather-related disasters, air pollution are well-recognised but these rapid changes are also impacting on mental health. The phenomenon of climate anxiety and solastalgia – the emotional or philosophical distress felt at environmental loss or change - are two such recognised impacts. Some feel the threats and losses of environmental change more acutely than others. Young people, in particular are experiencing poor mental health and have the highest rates of mental ill health, with anxiety being the most common diagnosed disorder.

However, the environment can also be a great source of comfort for people. Connecting with nature has been shown to bring many benefits for wellbeing, from physical, mental and cognitive health benefits to overall satisfaction with life. Urbanisation trends have contributed to observed declines in human-nature interactions and connectedness. This 'extinction of experience' likely contributes to feelings of apathy towards the environment and behaviours which contribute to its decline.

This project seeks to unpick these relationships between mental health, environmental change, urban living and nature connection. The project will be guided by three key aims:

  • Examine the relationships between environmental change, urban living and mental health across Australia and use climate projections to predict changing mental health patterns into future
  • Explore the conditions under which nature connection can benefit or erode mental health (e.g. through climate anxiety and solastalgia)
  • Explore opportunities for nature-based solutions and connecting with nature to improve mental health and resiliency, particularly for young people in urban areas

This project will be part of the Healthy Environments and Lives network and the candidate will be expected to engage with and contribute to the network.

Applicants with experience in spatial and statistical analyses of mental health and/or environmental change from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Emily Flies

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Prior research experience (e.g. an honours or masters degree or work-related research experience), with relevant quantitative experience is essential

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • This project will use explanatory and predictive statistical and spatial modelling with existing geo spatial data on climate, environment and wellbeing. Applicants with demonstrated prior experience (e.g. first-author publications) applying and interpreting these techniques in related sustainability, environmental or public health research will be most competitive for this project

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Emily Flies to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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