Extreme Weather/ Climate Change

Overview

Climate change affects people’s health in many ways. As the climate changes, more people may be exposed to extreme weather like heat, floods, droughts, storms, and wildfires.2 These events can cause illness, injury, and even death. Climate change can also lead to more diseases spread by insects and ticks, and it can affect the quality and safety of air, water, and food, including through the spread of harmful bacteria or viruses.3 In addition, hazards related to climate change can stress people’s mental health.4 For information on how climate change can affect the health of different groups of people, see Climate Change and Health. 

While the health effects of a changing climate are wide-ranging, communities, healthcare providers, and individuals can all take steps to lessen these impacts. For example, many government agencies already use the national public warning system to communicate about extreme weather threats. Some hospitals are climate-proofing their buildings and becoming more energy efficient. Many cities and individuals are planting trees to reduce the impact of heat on people’s health. 

Health Impacts of extreme weather

Extreme weather events, often referred to as “natural disasters,” are linked to a range of impacts on human health, including death, injury, illness, exacerbation of underlying medical conditions, and adverse effects on mental health. Droughts, storms, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Globally, from 1970 to 2021, extreme weather events caused about 2 million deaths, 12,000 disasters, and $4.3 trillion in reported economic losses.

Some health impacts from extreme weather are direct and immediate, such as injuries and deaths that occur during hurricanes or floods. Other impacts are indirect and longer-term, including effects on mental health and consequences of interrupted access to essential healthcare services. 

 Evacuations pose specific health risks for older adults and people with disabilities and may be complicated by the need for transfer of medical records and medications. These events can also exacerbate chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.(National Academy of Medicine)

What we can do

Healthcare facilities, communities, and individuals can reduce climate change’s impact on human health in many ways. Some actions include(EPA):

  • Use clean energy in healthcare facilities. Investing in clean energy can help hospitals become more resilient and cost-efficient in the face of climate change. Clean energy also helps reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change.  

  • Seek medical care. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your health is being affected by climate change or your local environment.

  • Get to know your community. Partner with local organizations and create a community-based approach to prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme weather events.

  • Learn about local waterways. Check out the condition of water bodies near your home to see if they are safe for swimming.

  • Go for the green. Green roofs, greenways, trees, and other green infrastructure all help reduce the urban heat island effect and absorb rainwater to prevent flooding. They also provide benefits like improved air quality and habitat for wildlife.

  •  Improve indoor air quality. Reduce or remove sources of indoor air pollutants whenever possible. For example, consider using portable air purifiers or high-efficiency filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

  • Protect against insects and ticks. Where possible, wear long pants and sleeves outdoors, and use an EPA-approved bug repellant. Check where outbreaks of Lyme disease and West Nile virus are happening nearby (or in places you’re about to travel to).