Climate change poses significant risks to public health. These risks make it more challenging for communities to provide public health services.
Changes in climate, such as higher average temperatures and increased storm frequency and intensity, can intensify public health stressors including decreased air and water quality, accidental exposure to chemicals and extreme heat (see chart below).
Climate change will affect some people’s health more than others, depending on where they live and their ability to cope with different climate impacts. The most vulnerable often include the very young, the elderly, the poor, the infirm and tribes.
Health Risks Related to Climate Change
This chart illustrates key risks posed by climate change to public health, recognizing other factors can also affect the health outcomes.
