Resources

Climate change is altering the geographic range of vectors, often expanding their range into new locations, and it is also expanding their seasonal ranges, lengthening the time of year that a vector can act to transmit infection. Expanded geographic and seasonal distributions will likely increase risk of disease exposure.

Diseases that affect brain function are increasing in the United States, including learning disabilities in children, while Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are occurring earlier in adults. Biotoxin, pesticide, herbicide, and heavy metal exposure are all linked to neurological diseases and disorders, as are other factors like aging and genetics. Climate change could impact neurological

Exposure to climate-related change and disasters can cause stress, grief, and a sense of loss, as well as clinical disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Climate change can even contribute to suicidal behaviors. Direct and indirect impacts of climate change can strain social relationships and increase risk of substance abuse. It can impact

Climate change may increase risks of birth defects and early childhood exposure to substances that can impact development. Exposure to chemicals and heavy metals (for example, lead, mercury, and arsenic), whether through air, water, or food contamination, have been shown to impact human development at varying levels. Exposure to herbicides and pesticides can increase the

Warming temperatures are increasing the frequency and severity of future extreme heat events. Without adaptation, this means we may see an increase in heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. Rising temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, and heart-related illnesses; heat can also be fatal. Our decisions and actions can influence the degree

Climate change is expected to alter the quantity, quality, and locations of the world’s food supply. It is expected to decrease the overall amount of food produced as temperatures rise and crop pests increase. Food production will likely decrease most in the tropics as it grows hotter, making farming more difficult. While growing seasons will lengthen

Climate change is increasing the frequency of flooding, wildfires, drought, heat waves, cold waves, and heavy snows. Extreme weather events like these can result in injury, illness, and death. Health risks can occur during an event, and also in the processes of disaster preparation and clean-up.