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The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is a non-profit, tax exempt, environmental action group that was founded more than 40 years ago, with a staff of over 300 scientists and lawyers and more than 1 million members.
Using data gleaned from the CDC and the National Climatic Data Center, the NRDC has put together a detailed series of reports on the impact of climate change on the health of those living within the United States.
This report is divided into 6 main sections.
Climate Change and Health Threats
Each section contains an interactive map showing the potential climatological impact on the health of Americans.
The one below shows that 28 states now host mosquitoes capable of carrying and transmitting tropical diseases like Dengue, but the report tells us only 3 (Florida, Virginia, and Maryland) have plans in place to deal with this contingency.
Other infectious diseases that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change include other mosquito vectored diseases like the West Nile Virus, and tickborne diseases such as Lyme.
Extreme heat related illnesses, drought, flooding, and air pollution are all climate related health threats as well.
You’ll find numerous links to background reports and data on each of these topics, along with links to a number of state plans to deal with them.
There is a lot to read in these reports, including advice on how to deal with these dangers.
The NRDC published a lengthy press release yesterday regarding these reports and their interactive web tools.
State-by-state analysis unveiled in new NRDC web tool
WASHINGTON (August. 3, 2011) -- Climate change is expected to lead to worsening drought conditions and greater heat extremes, increased threats of Dengue Fever, drought, floods, air pollution and myriad health problems, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
A new web tool unveiled by NRDC lets users read how their state might be impacted by climate change. On the site, www.nrdc.org/climatemaps, users can see local data and maps detailing extreme weather patterns throughout the country, see local climate change vulnerabilities and learn about health problems in their own communities that are connected to climate change.
Based on an analysis of data gathered from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other resources, NRDC’s new “Climate Change Threatens Health” webpage lets users see the effects of climate change at a regional and state level.
Since the first step in making any preparedness plan is identifying potential threats, these reports provide valuable information for individuals, businesses, and local governments.
They are well worth taking the time to consider.
