THE POTENTIAL MOLECULAR ROLE OF AGGRESSION AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is a man-driven disruptor of our lifestyle, health, and well-being. Humans, like other species, adapt to long-term stressors like global warming through genetic and epigenetic adaptations. However, these adaptations are not always favorable, the outcome depends on many factors, including the magnitude and rate under which this change is imposed on the body. The implication of climate change on many human diseases such as melanoma, violence, child abuse, and others has been thoroughly investigated. Nevertheless, it is difficult to investigate the direct molecular alterations in humans in response to climate change. This difficulty is mainly due to the ethical restrictions and the need for generational studies. Additionally, the indirect impact of climate change on humans cannot be ignored. The intense heat has forced many to an indoor lifestyle. This shift has led to a more sedentary lifestyle and more screen time, both of which were associated with an increase in depression, anxiety, and anti-social behavior. Finally, climate change is actively affecting our food security which represents another indirect cause for aggressive behaviors. This review aims to shed some light on the influence of climate change on mental health, and behavior and the underlying mechanisms behind it.