Climate change isn't just bad for the environment—it's bad for our health. Exposure to extreme temperatures can result in heat-related illness and worsening of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes.
Flooding caused by severe storms can spread disease and contaminate food and water supplies. Rising temperatures and other factors associated with climate change will increase our exposure to disease-carrying insects and rodents.
Who is at Risk?
Extreme weather, hotter days, and other planetary changes will affect all of us. But some communities, neighborhoods, and individuals will be more impacted by climate change than others.
People who are already at risk for poor health due to social and economic factors—poverty, food insecurity, racism, unsafe housing and neighborhoods, and lack of access to quality medical and mental health care—will likely fare worse in a changing climate than those with greater resources.
Groups who are particularly vulnerable to climate-related health impacts include:
You can reduce the risk of health impacts associated with climate change by planning ahead and engaging with your community. Some ideas to get your started: