Protecting Health in the Context of Climate Change:

HHS Role

Sharon L. Ricks, MA Deputy Regional Health Administrator

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region IV

Vulnerable  Populations

Photo  Credit:  CDC  and  NPR

Photo  Credit:  NPS,  Statesman.com

Preventing  Climate  Change  Can  Be  Good  For  YOU

Preventive or Preparedness Measure Health Benefit

•  Rely on cleaner energy sources and active transport (biking and walking)

•  Heat wave early warning systems.

•  Land Use Changes –through creating green spaces with low pollen-producing plants.

•  Improve air quality, increase physical activity, lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

•  Protect vulnerable groups very effectively and cheaper than treating and coping with heat illnesses.

•  Reduce impact of urban heat islands and floods, promote social interaction, and promote an active healthy lifestyle.

HHS  Involvement  in  the  President’s  Climate  Action  Plan

•  Sustainable and Climate Resilient Healthcare Facilities o  Development of a Tool Kit o  Public Private Partnership for information gathering, vetting and

disseminating o  Trans-Agency collaboration for best practices for federal healthcare

facilities

•  Community Health Resilience o  Builds on CDC’s Climate Ready Cities and States Initiative o  Development and Dissemination of the BRACE framework

National  Climate  Assessment

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•  The Third National Climate Assessment was released in early May 2014.

•  It captures the latest science on observed trends and projected future conditions of climate changes. 

•  A team of more than 300 experts guided by a 60-member Federal Advisory Committee produced the report, which was extensively reviewed by the public and experts, including federal agencies and a panel of the National Academy of Sciences.

http://www.globalchange.gov/what-we-do/climate-change-health.html

Special  Report  on  Climate  Change  and  Health

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•  Special Interim Report on the Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health is expected to be completed in late 2015 - early 2016. It is an interim report for the National Climate Assessment.

•  One of the most significant research needs is a more robust assessment of future health risks to the population – particularly vulnerable populations.

•  Because the impacts of climate change on health are complex and often dependent on multiple confounding socioeconomic and environmental factors, the methodology for developing appropriate climate and health indicators is challenging and still emerging.

•  This Report will be an evidence-based, quantitative assessment of observed and projected climate change impacts on human health in the United States. The Federal Register Notice provides more details about this report.

Summary •  Climate change threatens human health and well-being

in many ways and some of these health impacts are already underway in the United States.

•  Climate change will amplify some of the existing health threats the nation now faces and certain communities are especially vulnerable.

•  Public health actions, especially preparedness and prevention, can do much to protect people from some of the impacts of climate change.

•  Responding to climate change provides opportunities to improve human health and well-being across many sectors. Many strategies are two-for-one (protecting people while combating climate change.