Junk Science: “Loneliness caused by climate change kills people”
2 hours ago Anthony Watts 9 Comments
From the University of Sydney and the “this is what passes as peer-reviewed science these days” department come this load of rubbish. The paper argues that climate change erodes social connections, through heatwaves keeping people indoors, disasters displacing communities, and droughts reducing participation in rural community life. They further claim that this social isolation compounds mortality risk during climate events. They contend that disadvantaged populations bear a disproportionate burden, that weak social ties reduce collective willingness to act on climate change, and that governments should therefore treat “social connection” as essential climate infrastructure alongside housing and transport. The British Columbia Heat Dome is cited as evidence, noting that people with schizophrenia made up around 8% of heat deaths, which the authors attribute partly to social isolation.
But here are the obvious things they miss. Schizophrenic people have paranoia and distrust of institutions can make people less likely to seek help from emergency services or cooling centers. Their condition puts them more at risk, not climate change. But, wait! There’s more…
Antipsychotic medications suppress sweating, impairing the body’s primary cooling mechanism.
Reduced interoceptive awareness means patients may not recognize dangerous overheating until it’s too late.
Poor housing and lack of access to air conditioning leaves patients physically exposed to heat.
Cognitive symptoms (disorganized thinking, avolition) impair practical heat-avoidance behavior.
Overrepresentation in homeless and precariously housed populations increases exposure risk.
Sedative effects of some antipsychotics reduce general alertness and responsiveness to environmental threats.
– Anthony
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/05/17/junk-science-loneliness-caused-by-climate-change-kills-people/
