Climate Is Health.
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Extreme Weather
Extreme weather events are expected to increase as our climate warms. Events such as heavy rainfall, hurriances, droughts, and flooding pose numerous health harms.
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Heatwaves
Extreme heat can lead to exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat-related death. People with chronic lung or heart illnesses or other conditions are at greater risk of heat-related complications or death.
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Air Quality
Exposure to air pollution is associated with numerous human health effects including increased respiratory symptoms, hospitalization for heart or lung diseases, and even premature death.
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Water Quality
Warmer weather causes more water to evaporate. This sets the stage for heavier rainfall and flooding, which decreases the quality of our water. Harmful algea blooms also pose a risk to our water quality.
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Vector-Bourne Disease
Warmer temperatures can lead to more conducive environments for vectors (i.e ticks, mosquitoes) as well as longer seasons in which they can infect humans, pets, livestock, and other species.
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Mental Health
Climate change can cause anxiety as well as chronic and severe mental health disorders. Extreme wether events have been associated with elevated levels of anxiety, depression and PTSD.
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Allergies
Climate change is making allergies worse. Hotter temperatures lend towards longer growing seasons and therefore longer pollen seasons. Certain plants also produce more pollen in warmer conditions.
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Equity
Climate Change is disproportionately effecting certain populations. Those living in poverty, communities of color, and those living in inner cities are facing greater challenges due to climate change.
Stay up to date on the current literature guiding health & climate
Connecticut Resources
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Yale Center for Climate Change & Health
Climate Change and Health in Connecticut 2020. This is an executive summary tracking 19 key indicators related to climate change and health.
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Connecticut State Climate Action Website
Resources from the state outlining current projects, initiatives, and working groups focused on tackling climate change in CT.