Every American is vulnerable to the health impacts associated with climate change.
That’s the conclusion from a report released Monday, the first day of National Public Health Week, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seven other federal agencies, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Climate change exacerbates some existing health threats and creates new public health challenges, the report, “The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment,” said.
Some examples of the increased health risks found in the assessment include:
- Air pollution and airborne allergens will likely increase, worsening allergy and asthma conditions.
- Extreme heat can be expected to cause an increase in the number of premature deaths.
- Warmer winter and spring temperatures are projected to lead to earlier annual onset of Lyme disease cases in the Eastern United States and a generally northward expansion of ticks capable of carrying the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
- Increase the risks of water-related illnesses because of more runoff and increased water temperatures will increasingly compromise recreational waters, shellfish harvesting waters, and sources of drinking water.
- Climate change, including rising temperatures and changes in weather extremes, is expected to increase the exposure of food to pathogens and toxins.
- Climate change will have the largest health impact on vulnerable populations including those with low incomes, some communities of color, limited English proficiency and immigrant groups, Indigenous peoples, children, pregnant women, older adults, vulnerable occupational groups, persons with disabilities, and persons with preexisting or chronic medical conditions.
- Extreme weather and other events related to climate change will impact health by exacerbating underlying medical conditions, increasing exposure to foodborne and waterborne illness risks, and disrupting infrastructure, including power, water, transportation, and communication systems, that are essential to maintaining access to health care and emergency response services and safeguarding human health.
On Monday, the Obama Administration announced actions to respond to the critical challenges and vulnerabilities outlined in the assessment. They include:
- Expanding the scope of the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children to focus on the impacts of climate change on children’s health.
- Developing K-12 educational materials on climate change and health.
- Establishing a Climate-Ready Tribes and Territories Initiative, which will provide awards for tribal and territorial health departments to investigate, prepare for, and adapt to the health effects of climate change.
- Updating the Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Care Facilities Toolkit, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Designating May 23-27, 2016, as Extreme Heat Week, during which federal agencies will take action to work with community planners and public-health officials to enhance community preparedness for extreme heat events.
