CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH Heidi E. Brown, Ph.D., M.P.H. University of Arizona School of Geography and Development College of Public Health

Climate and Health Climate-related exposures can be the direct cause of illness or death – such as death from hyperthermia Climate-related exposures can also be a contributing cause of health problems by exacerbating an already existing medical condition – such as heart disease – or exert indirect effects, as by inducing changes in the ranges of organisms that transmit disease

Climate Change & Health in the Southwest More heat waves and urban warming Longer and more severe ozone seasons Increased pollen allergen production w/ earlier season start Fungus/mold growth due to swings in precip/temp extremes Risk of water-borne pathogens via flooding and higher water temperatures Higher rainfall variability moderating rodent- borne diseases Marginal shifts in mosquito vector ranges, but w/ potential population impact

Extreme Events Heat Related Deaths – Chicago Maximum Temperature and Heat Index July , 1995

Air Quality Rising temps increase concentrations of ozone and possibly PM2.5 – Longer, more severe ozone season – Breathing problems, airway inflammation

Water- & Food-borne Disease Effects of precipitation & temperature Natural flooding and fecal bacteria (E. Coli)Temperature increases and Salmonella cases Ave. monthly temp (°C) # Salmonella cases/month

Wildfires Credit: Brent Watcher IMET National Weather Service/US Forest Service Wallow Wildfire, 2011 Smoke exposure associated with respiratory and eye symptoms, increased ER visits Loss of property/home, Increased mudslide risk

Conclusions Natural and human systems are complex Warmer & more extreme climate shifts will lead to direct health impacts and exacerbate pre- existing conditions. Effects will be mediated by social & ecological factors – Disadvantaged population bear greater burden New work on co-benefits – Climate change mitigation policies that provide ancillary health benefits