Leading By Example : Emission Reductions in Public Health Agencies
Loading...
Date
2010-05
Authors
Climate Leadership Initiative
Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant and emerging threat to public health.1 Drought, heat
waves, flooding, and disease are all exacerbated by climate change. Across the globe,
hundreds of thousands of deaths annually have been directly linked to a changing climate,
while also indirectly affecting the health of a comparable number of people each year. In 1995, for
example, a six-day heat wave in Chicago resulted in 525 heat-related fatalities, 208 deaths from
health problems further complicated by heat exposure, and thousands of hospitalizations from
heat-related symptoms.2 Public health agencies and organizations can play a vital role in helping
to prepare the public for these kinds of impacts, as well as reducing emissions that lead to further
changes in our global climate. They are particularly well equipped to serve the most vulnerable
populations in our communities such as low-income families who face disproportionate impacts
of climate change, while having fewer resources to respond to these changes. In addition to the
physical changes that will result from a changing climate, climate change and rising energy prices
also have the potential to exacerbate social and health inequities. This manual is a response to those concerns. It provides guidance on how to prioritize and
implement the operational changes that allow public agencies to shrink their climate impact, and it
also provides guidance about how to demonstrate a commitment to a healthy future.
Description
49 p. "A Climate Masters Guide for the Public Health Sector."
Keywords
Greenhouse gas mitigation, Climate change, Climatic changes