Barack Obama

The Obama administration says climate change will lead to respiratory problems, heat-related mortality, vector-borne illness, and problems with food safety.

(Jacquelyn Martin)

Climate change is likely to impact public health in the United States, according to a report released this week by the Obama administration.

"The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment" predicts an increase in temperature-related death and illness, worsening air quality, more extreme events, vector-borne diseases and water-related illness, problems with food safety, and a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.

The study was developed over three years by the U.S. Global Change Research Program with input from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services.

In one example, the report says ragweed pollen season is much longer now than it was in 1995, affecting nearly 6.8 million children affected by asthma. In general, greater ozone-related impacts are projected, leading to hospital admissions and acute respiratory illnesses.

Extreme heat is expected to lead to thousand of premature deaths, and to exacerbate underlying medical problems, including mental health issues, the report states. The northward expansion of ticks will bring an increase in Lyme disease, and illnesses related to compromised water are expected to increase.

Food safety is also on the list: "Rising temperature and increases in flooding, runoff events, and drought will likely lead to increases in the occurrence and transport of pathogens in agricultural environments, which will increase the risk of food contamination."

Climate change will have the largest impact on vulnerable populations, including those with low incomes, some communities of color, children, pregnant women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons with preexisting or chronic medical conditions, the report states.

The administration announced a number of actions, including the expansion of a presidential task force, the development of educational materials for school children, awards for tribal and territorial health departments to prepare for the health effects of climate change, and an updated toolkit for climate-resilient health care facilities.

President Obama has designated May 23-27 as Extreme Heat Week, during which federal agencies will work with community planners and public health officials to enhance community preparedness for extreme heat events.

The findings of the climate and health assessment "strengthen and broaden the scientific foundation for future decision making, allowing individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to proactively manage the health risks of climate change," according to a press release from the White House.

"A better understanding of how climate change affects our health, and the health of our children and grandchildren, underscores the need for urgent action to combat the threats climate change poses on American citizens and communities."