Climate change is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. We’ve seen record-breaking heat, devastating wildfires, storms and prolonged droughts impacting our health and mental well-being.
Extreme heat alone claims the lives of approximately 1,220 people annually in the U.S., with a 117% increase in heat-related deaths in the past two decades. Older adults, infants, children and those without a way to cool down are hit the hardest. In June 2023, more than 100 million people in the U.S. were impacted by poor air quality from wildfires in Canada. Hotter temperatures are creating more powerful storms, making recent hurricanes like Helene and Milton 200 to 500 times more likely because of climate change. At the same time, there is a growing mental health crisis with over half of US adults experiencing climate anxiety.
Addressing these challenges requires both global and local actions. Globally, we need to end fossil fuel use—a key driver of climate change and a contributor to 41.5% of all premature deaths linked to fine particulate matter. The transition to renewable, non-combustion energy needs to protect and enhance the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable, underserved and disenfranchised communities who are experiencing the inequitable and locally-specific health impacts of the climate crisis. Local coalitions are critical in ensuring this transition prioritizes health equity and climate justice by bringing partners with a variety of expertise together, such as environmental justice leaders, community groups, researchers, faith communities, local government, businesses and public health professionals.
Public health is the frontline of prevention, detection and management. In the face of climate change, public health professionals can partner with local communities to prepare for climate events like heat waves and flooding, communicate and educate on the health impacts of climate change, and support equitable solutions.
APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity is empowering public health professionals to take on climate and health activism. By equipping the public health workforce with advocacy and communication skills and the skills needed for building trust-based community partnerships, we can help public health workers support the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in building climate resiliency and achieving equitable health outcomes.
Since 2022, the center has provided grants directly to APHA-affiliated state and regional public health associations to partner with local organizations to build climate advocacy campaigns and implement and promote “smart surfaces” – built environment interventions that help cities reduce heat and flooding. In February 2024, we held our inaugural Climate, Health and Equity Summit to increase engagement and collaboration across APHA membership in addressing the climate crisis.
Last month, APHA co-hosted two events with ecoAmerica’s Climate for Health at Climate Week NYC, uniting health leaders and activists in taking climate action and addressing youth and children’s mental health. We’ll be continuing those conversations through October 27-30th at the APHA Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, which attracts 12,000 public health professionals and allies each year. Follow APHA on social media to stay updated on our activities and celebrations surrounding these impactful events!
Coming to the APHA 2024 Annual Meeting? The center is thrilled to be co-hosting sessions with the Science and Community Action Network, Smart Surfaces Coalition, American Psychological Association, CDC’s Climate and Health Program and more. Feel inspired and empowered and join us at the following sessions:
Featured session:
4284.0 Champion Conversation IX: Local Coalitions for Health and Climate Justice: Building Power from the Ground Up, No Matter Who’s in Office, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4:30-6:00 pm ET
Other CCHE hosted sessions:
2046.0 Dismantling Institutional Racism in Academic Practice Whilst Working Towards Environmental Justice, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2:30-4:00 pm ET
2137.0 Cumulative Impacts: A Framework to Challenge Environmental Racism and Injustice, Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:30-6:00 pm ET
4097.0 Keeping Cool in a Warming World – Advancing Strategies to Combat Extreme Heat, Monday, Oct. 28, 10:30-12:00 pm ET
4215.0 Climate and Children’s Behavioral Health: Population Health Approaches, Monday, Oct. 28, 2:30-4:00 pm ET
5054.0 Health and Wellbeing in a Climate-Changed World: Community-Engaged Approaches for Health Practitioners, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10:30-12:00 pm ET
APHA is a longtime Climate for Health partner and we are proud to share their work at the 2024 Annual Meeting with our network.
About the Author
Gillian Capper, MPH is a Program Manager with the Center for Climate, Health and Equity at the American Public Health Association.
Additional Resources
Apply or Nominate: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join ClimateRx
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023
Climate for Health Ambassador Training
Climate for Health Resources