Because human health is intricately bound to weather and the many complex natural systems it affects, it is possible that climate change as projected will have a measurable impact, both beneficial and adverse, on health outcomes associated with weather and/or climate. We identified and assessed five such categories of health outcomes for the US National Assessment on Climate Variability and Change: 1) temperature-related morbidity and mortality; 2) health effects of extreme weather events (i.e., storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and precipitation extremes); 3) air pollution-related health effects; 4) water- and food-borne diseases; and 5) insect-, tick-, and rodent-borne diseases. While much of the U.S. population is protected against adverse health outcomes associated with weather and/or climate, although certain demographic and geographic populations are at increased risk. The costs, benefits and availability of resources for improving our public health infrastructure to meet these new demands will important to determine in the next phase of assessments.
Learning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Climate Change, Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.