Climate change is a serious threat to human health. As global warming accelerates, climate disruptions pose a serious and increasing threat to people with lung disease and to the general population.
Climate change is expected to contribute to increases in each of the following:
- Extreme weather events, including heat waves, extreme precipitation, and droughts
- Wildfires and wildfire smoke
- Particulate matter (soot) in the air
- Aeroallergens, including pollens, mold and fungus
- Insect and water borne diseases
- Higher levels of ground-level ozone (smog)
Respiratory Health Association works with environmental organizations to reinforce the link between climate change and public health. We also work to mobilize the public health community to advocate for strategies to mitigate climate change, in addition to adapting to the ultimate effects. RHA is committed to advocating for policies to prevent and prepare for the effects of climate change for the benefit of everyone.
RHA is currently recruiting health care and public health partners to lend their voices to policy discussions, and educating caretakers and individuals with lung disease on how climate change will impact respiratory health.
If you are concerned about climate change, join RHA’s e-advocacy team to receive updates and action alerts.
Read RHA’s Climate Change and Respiratory Health issue brief to learn more and visit the Climate Change section of our Library for additional resources.
For more information about RHA’s efforts to address climate change, contact Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs, via email at burbaszewski@resphealth.org or by phone at (312) 628-0245.
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