Making the connection: Federal efforts on climate change and health

Abstract:

The 3^rd National Climate Assessment highlights four key messages regarding the linkages between human health and climate change. There are many different ways in which climate change affects health, and some impacts are already being felt in the United States. People and places differ in their vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change. Adaptation measures are available for many health impacts in the US, but they may not be able to completely prevent impacts, especially if climate change becomes more severe in the future. And many measures undertaken to limit greenhouse gas emissions or increase resilience to climate impacts in other sectors have the potential to improve, or in some cases, harm, human health. This presentation will review the findings of the 3^rd National Climate Assessment with regards to human health and describe ongoing and future efforts to more comprehensively assess the health impacts of climate change in the United States and provide information for helping to protect public health from climate impacts.