New Maps from NRDC Show How Warming Will Affect Your Health
Image via NRDC
Curious about how changing global temperatures will affect your area? The NRDC has released new maps that show how a shift in climate may impact health, from allergies to outbreaks of Dengue fever. NRDC writes, "Climate change is one of the most serious public health threats facing the nation, but few people are aware of how it can affect them. Children, the elderly, and communities living in poverty are among the most vulnerable."
You can zoom in to your specific area to see exactly what threats exist locally.
Along with the maps is information about what to do in response to climate-caused health threats.
The NRDC bases the map on analysis of data gathered from the EPA, the US Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other resources. The group found that, "[P]eople with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases face the most serious threats, since exposure to increased pollution heightens sensitivity to allergens, impairs lungs, triggers asthma attacks, sends people to the hospital, and even results in premature death."
"Climate change is real and in many cases is already affecting people and natural ecosystems," said Kim Knowlton, senior scientist in NRDC's health and environment program. "Our analysis will help people across the country find out exactly how climate change affects their state. From the dangers of extreme heat and increased flooding to the spread of ragweed whose pollen causes allergies or mosquitoes that can spread disease, climate change does not discriminate and local communities need to be better prepared."
This map is one place to start your research on what risks you may need to prepare for as things heat up.
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