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Climate-related events (e.g. heatwaves and wildfires) are a form of existential stress. A growing body of research is highlighting its impact on mental and physical health. This study investigates linkages between inflammatory markers and perceived distress surrounding climate change events.

Participants from the San Francisco Bay Area (n = 51, 77.4% female) aged 24-72 (M = 54, SD = 11.16) reported on interference in daily life of a major heatwave in the area in October 2020 and the psychological impact of these events. Participants also provided blood samples which were assayed for inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Data collection took place in Spring of 2021.

Using linear regressions, we found that heatwave interference with enjoyment in life and sleep was significantly associated with greater …