How will climate change affect Northwest human health and communities? PART FIVE OF FIVE IN THE SERIES: CLIMATE IMPACTS IN THE NORTHWEST

Climate change stands to have profound effects on individuals and their communities. Warmer temperatures and changes in patterns of precipitation and snowmelt, among other climate impacts, will affect human health, the built environment, recreation and other facets of society.

The impacts of climate change will not be distributed equitably.

Frontline communities – including communities of color, Indigenous communities, low- income communities and rural communities that are dependent on natural resources – will experience these impacts first and worst.

Extreme heat; flooding and sea level rise; drought, forest fires and summer air pollution; increased allergen production; and changes in diseases could all have negative impacts on health.

The consequences of these impacts for human health vary and include…

More heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and stroke

Higher rates of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies

Vector-, water-, and food-borne diseases – including the introduction of new diseases and the increased prevalence of others

Rising anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Increasing experiences of weather hazards and climate impacts, as well as deepening concern about ecological and social changes, may contribute to mental health challenges.

People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities may be affected physically and mentally by the impacts of climate change.

Many members of frontline communities face greater health risks from climate change due to higher levels of exposure and vulnerability.

Children, older people and people with physical and mental health conditions are also more vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Climate change is expected to increase the risk of damage and service disruptions to infrastructure such as roads, bridges and wastewater utilities.

Impacts of climate change that are likely to affect the built environment include heavy precipitation, flooding, landslides, erosion, forest fires and high heat.

Because of these impacts, travelers might see more frequent delays, closures and re-routes due to flooding, landslides or wildfire.

Some risks, such as the likelihood of snow closures, may decrease.

Wastewater and stormwater management systems along the coast are likely to experience damage due to sea level rise.

Photo credit Joe Mabel, CC by-NA 4.0

Warmer winters, hotter summers and wildfire smoke all stand to impact the recreation industry and opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.

As temperatures rise, we will see less snow in the mountains – leading to fewer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other winter snow sports.

Summer heat waves may keep people from exercising outdoors.

Increasingly hot, dry summers will also contribute to more frequent and intense wildfires. Wildfires and increased wildfire risk can close outdoor recreation sites out of safety concerns.

Sea level rise may limit access to beaches for fishing, boating and play.

Climate change will have profound impacts on people's health and day-to-day life. Steps taken today to reduce vulnerabilities to extreme heat, flooding, wildfire smoke pollution and more can help reduce the negative effects of climate change tomorrow.

How are communities preparing for climate impacts on people and society?

How will climate change affect water in the Northwest?

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Credits:

Created with an image by diego_torres - "water raindrops raining"