Climate change and health in Washington
Climate change is altering seasonal patterns in Washington, making hot days hotter, and increasing the severity of extreme events. As a result, Washingtonians face a variety of increasing health problems such as more heat-related illnesses, breathing and heart troubles, food and water contamination, traumatic injuries, mental health challenges, and exposure to infectious diseases. These threats will only worsen without action to limit carbon pollution and build resilience to the present-day threats of climate change.
Washingtonians can protect themselves from these threats by moving to a cleaner and more efficient energy and transportation system and preparing more effectively for future climate and health crises. Washington’s communities and health departments must also have the resources and capacity to deal with present-day health threats.
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