Clinicians For
Climate Action NJ
Climate & Health
Climate change is already affecting the health of New Jersey communities. Extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, worsening air quality, and changing patterns of infectious disease can increase illness and place additional strain on individuals, families, and communities.
How Climate Change Affects Our Health
For additional resources describing the health impacts of climate change and carbon pollution, click here.
Extreme heat is becoming more frequent and severe. Higher temperatures elevate the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke while aggravating chronic conditions like heart, lung, and kidney disease.
Wildfire smoke and air pollution trigger severe asthma attacks, reduce lung function, and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Severe storms cause injuries and displacement while spreading mold, contaminating food and water, and cutting power to critical services.
Climate change expands tick and mosquito ranges while lengthening pollen seasons, increasing vector-borne diseases and severe allergies.
Cimate Change Doesn't
Affect Everyone Equally
Factors such as income, age and underlying conditions, occupation, housing and where you live can affect how much risk we face and how easily we can recover.
Protecting health means advancing equity and ensuring all New Jersey communities can thrive
Climate & Health Equity
Much-needed attention has been given to health equity and environmental justice issues. As Physician Cheryl Holder argues here, vulnerable populations are hit first and are the least able to get back on their feet.
This Rutgers report is another excellent introduction to the equity issues.