Book/Book Chapter
Ch. 9: Human health
Luber, G; Knowlton, K; Balbus, J; Frumkin, H; Hayden, M; Hess, J; McGeehin, M; Sheats, N; Backer, L; Beard, CB; Ebi, KL; Maibach, E; Ostfeld, RS; Wiedinmyer, C; Zielinski-Gutiérrez, E; Ziska, L
U.S. Global Change Research Program
Washington, D.C.
is a chapter of
2828356 Climate change impacts in the United States: The third National Climate Assessment
1. Climate change threatens human health and well-being in many ways, including impacts from increased extreme weather events, wildfire, decreased air quality, threats to mental health, and illnesses transmitted by food, water, and disease-carriers such as mosquitoes and ticks. Some of these health impacts are already underway in the United States.
2. Climate change will, absent other changes, amplify some of the existing health threats the nation now faces. Certain people and communities are especially vulnerable, including children, the elderly, the sick, the poor, and some communities of color.
3. Public health actions, especially preparedness and prevention, can do much to protect people from some of the impacts of climate change. Early action provides the largest health benefits. As threats increase, our ability to adapt to future changes may be limited.
4. Responding to climate change provides opportunities to improve human health and well-being across many sectors, including energy, agriculture, and transportation. Many of these strategies offer a variety of benefits, protecting people while combating climate change and providing other societal benefits.
Melillo, JM; Richmond, TC; Yohe, GW
