Other Problems

Heat isn’t the only problem climate change creates. Cold-weather patterns also are affected, leading to larger amounts of snowfall and colder temperatures, making transportation and access to health care difficult.

Extreme weather events have other problems. As seen after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and surrounding areas after the 2005 storm hit, fresh food and water are at a premium because most stores are closed and getting shipments is difficult. Many homes are destroyed, which also means normal medical routines are disrupted, and access to medicine may be limited.

Because storms generally disrupt utilities, communications and the available medical care, even those who shelter in place are generally at risk. Cholera and an increase in intestinal parasites may occur because of flood waters, and those who use portable generators or camping equipment for light and heat put themselves at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

An overlooked but important aspect of deteriorating health conditions is the resulting depression from devastating weather. People may lose loved ones, important community markers are destroyed and life routines are changed, sometimes forever. This leads to mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which affect families and the community.

Bad Air Quality

Although air quality has improved in the United States, industrialization growth in other areas of the world has created health problems in China, India and elsewhere.

Warmer days will increase unhealthy air quality, raising ground-level ozone and contributing to smoggier conditions.