Climate and Health Resources: KANSAS v>EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate change poses risks to human health. Already in the United States, we are seeing rising temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of some types of extreme weather, sea level rise, and other changes in weather and climate patterns. We are all vulnerable to the health impacts associated with climate change. However, these climate and health risks vary across the country. In the past century, most of Kansas has warmed by at least 0.5°F and the soil is becoming drier. These, and other climate impacts, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Kansas residents include: - Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more frequent or intense droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as: o Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets. o Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells. - Droughts also make it easier for soil dust to become airborne. Dust storms lower air quality and cause breathing and visibility problems. Learn how you can take action to protect against dust storms, such as: o Respond: Seek shelter immediately. o Respond: Stay low, and cover eyes, nose, and mouth. - Heavy downpours cause more frequent and severe floods. Floods, such as those that occurred during Thanksgiving in 2015, can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as: o Respond: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic containers with clean water. o Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup. Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment. The examples of risks and actions provided in this document are not a comprehensive list. They provide users with illustrative impacts and resources for further information. Examples were selected based on relevance to the state or region and representation of a diversity of health threats. Selection does not imply ranking of severity of impacts nor prioritization of actions. The examples of impacts are based on "The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment," available at https://health2016.globalchange.gov, as well as the National Climate Assessment at http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/ June 2016 ------- RESOURCES FOR KANSAS RESIDENTS Resource Topic Information Source Climate Change Impacts Learn More: What Climate Change Means for Kansas U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Learn more: National Climate Assessment: Great Plains U.S. Global Change Research Program. 2014. Find Resources: EPA Region 7 (Midwest) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Health Information Find Resources: Kansas Department of Health and Environment State of Kansas Find Resources: Kansas Division of Emergency Management State of Kansas June 2016 ------- |