"We're committed to making sure the nation knows about the effects of climate change on health. If anyone doesn't think this is a severe problem, they are fooling themselves." -- APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, in The Washington Post
New Resource
As one of the biggest public health threats today, climate change is a health equity issue. Authored by Public Health Institute with support from APHA, the Kresge Foundation, and the California Department of Public health, Climate Change, Health, and Equity: A Guide for Local Health Departments (PDF) is designed to help local public health departments integrate climate change and health equity into practice. View the overview (PDF) for a snapshot of the guide. And if you'd like a higher-resolution version of the guide, visit our Climate Change, Health, and Equity page or email us.
The guide includes overviews of climate science, health impacts of climate change and how health equity fits into the equation. It discusses what local health departments can do to include climate change and health equity into assessment and surveillance, intersectoral collaboration, community engagement and education, climate and health communications, preparedness and more.
Check out our webinar showcasing examples of climate change and health equity activities taking place in local health departments across the nation.
Adaptation in Action
States across the nation are taking action to reduce the effects of climate change on health. Learn more: Adaptation in Action Part II 2018: Grantee Success Stories from CDC's Climate and Health Program (PDF).
Climate Changes Health
Climate change can harm the water supply, increase vector-borne disease and increase extreme weather events. Vulnerable populations such as communities of color, the elderly, young children, the poor and those with chronic illnesses bear the greatest burden of injury, disease and death related to climate change. As an APHA priority, we believe in the need for strong climate change strategies and interventions that protect people's health. The public health community plays a critical role.
Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act. And read "The Remarkable Inconsistency of Climate Denial."
Follow the conversation online using the hashtag #ClimateChangesHealth
With participation from members, experts and partners, APHA formed a multiyear strategic plan (PDF) to address climate change and health. The strategic plan was developed to support the vision, "Climate change is a national priority with broad political and social support. Our nation will address it in ways that improve public health and health equity, creating the healthiest nation in one generation."
APHA is pleased to share that the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, a group of member medical societies and health- and science-based organizations, hosted the Climate & Health Solutions Conference. The conference included presentations on a range of solutions such as: pricing carbon, accelerating the transition to clean energy, and greening the health sector. Check out the presentation slides and video recordings.
Questions? Please contact our environmental health team or reach out on Twitter to @EH_4_All.