Public Health

Climate change poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. The direct drivers of climate change can affect all Californians, but some Californians are most likely to experience adverse health outcomes.

Those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are the same that have historically experienced health inequities, so climate change has the potential to exacerbate a wide array of pre-existing inequities and conditions of vulnerability for already-disadvantaged people. Many people and places in the state are already experiencing health impacts made worse by climate change, including deaths and illnesses from extreme heat; mental health conditions and loss of jobs from drought; injuries, deaths, and displacement from wildfires; among many other impacts.^{[1, 2]}

The good news is that addressing climate change could represent the greatest opportunity to improve public health in our time. Many of the strategies being pursued to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as transitioning to renewable energy and promoting low-carbon transportation and diet, also make us healthier. Such activities clean up our air and water immediately and give us more opportunity for exercise.

The California Department of Public Health, along with other state agencies and local health departments around the state are taking steps to plan for and protect against these risks through a variety of plans and programs. Highlighted below are some of the State’s most recent resources to help locals plan for and protect their communities against the impacts of climate change on health.