Policy Solutions

All Policy Documents Tagged global warming and health

Rising Tide of Illness: How Global Warming Could Increase the Threat of Waterborne Diseases

Fact Sheet

Although there is little public discussion of the problem, disease outbreaks caused by contaminated water occur regularly. Researchers estimate that, including unreported cases, between 4 and 33 million waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses occur each year in the United States. Global warming is projected to increase the risk of more frequent and more widespread outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, due to higher temperatures and more severe weather events. To help prevent increased occurrence of water-related illnesses, the CDC should improve surveillance of waterborne disease outbreaks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should improve water quality regulations, and Congress should act to limit emissions of global warming pollutants. We need to act now to protect public health today while preparing for the impacts of climate change.
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Fever Pitch
Mosquito-Borne Dengue Fever Threat Spreading in the Americas

Issue Paper

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that may worsen with global warming. Dengue has increased over the past several decades, probably because of urbanization and population growth, rapid international travel and trade, and widespread poverty. By 2085, an estimated 5.2 billion people are projected to be at risk for dengue because of climate change–induced increases in temperature and humidity. This July 2009 NRDC issue paper finds that two types of mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue fever can now be found across at least 28 states. As temperatures rise, the potential for transmission of this dangerous disease may increase in vulnerable parts of the United States.

Temperatures Rising
Global Warming Turns up the Heat on Human Health

Fact Sheet

Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of global warming. Higher temperatures will have serious effects on human health. Get document in pdf.

Global Warming and Our Health
Addressing the Most Serious Health Impacts of Climate Change

Fact Sheet

Global warming will affect human health around the world. We need to be prepared for the health effects of a warming planet. Get document in pdf.

Preparing for Global Warming
A Framework for Protecting Community Health and the Environment in a Warmer World

Fact Sheet

We must start now to protect against and prepare for the effects of global warming on our world. Get document in pdf.

Safe Water in Peril
Addressing the Effects of Global Warming on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation

Fact Sheet

More than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than two billion people live without improved sanitation. To avoid an outright global water catastrophe, local, national, and global leaders must reduce pollution to minimize further climate change while preparing vulnerable communities to deal with the changes in climate that are already occurring or are unavoidable. Get document in pdf.