Climate Change and Rehabilitation Counselling: Exploring the Intersectionality of Environmental Sustainability and Mental Health Among Secondary School Students in Nigeria

Climate change poses significant threats to the mental health and well-being of secondary school students in Nigeria, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and compromising their ability to learn and thrive. This study investigates the complex relationships between climate change, mental health, and education among Nigerian students, with a focus on the role of rehabilitation counselors in promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating climate-related mental health impacts. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this research gathers insightsfrom 200 secondary school students in Nigeria. The study examines the impact of climate change on students' mental health, including anxiety, stress, and trauma, and explores how these experiences affect their academic performance, well-being, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, the research highlights the critical role rehabilitation counselors can play in promoting environmental sustainability, fostering resilience, and supporting students' mental health and well-being in the face of climate change. The findings have significant implications for rehabilitation counseling practice, education policy, and climate change mitigation strategies in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and integrated approaches to address the intersecting challenges of climate change, mental health, and education.