Climate and Health Resources:
CALIFORNIA
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.
California is warming - Southern California has warmed about 3°F in the last century. This and other
climate impacts, like wildfire and drought, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions
for Californians 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.
-	More frequent and longer-lasting wildfires cause more emergency room visits for asthma,
COPD, and other lung conditions. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires.
such as:
o Prepare: Follow your doctor's instructions for managing existing lung diseases and
medicines.
o Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and
evacuation orders.
-	Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the
season and move into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such
as:
o Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that
pets may bring ticks into the house,
o Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and
consider using insect repellent.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.
The examples of risks and actions provided in this document are not a comprehensive list. The
examples provide users with illustrative impacts and resources for further information. Example
selection decisions were 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

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RESOURCES FOR CALIFORNIANS
Resource Topic
Information
Source
Climate Change
Impacts
Learn more: What Climate Change Means for
California
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency

Learn more: National Climate Assessment:
Southwest
U.S. Global Change
Research Program. 2014.

Explore Actions: Marin Countv, California Climate
Action Plan
Marin County, California.
July 2015.

Explore Actions: Citv of Santa Cruz Climate
Adaptation Plan
City of Santa Cruz. 2012.

Explore Actions: Citv of Chula Vista Climate
Adaptation Strategies: Final Implementation Plans
City of Chula Vista. May,
2011.

Find Resources: EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest)
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Public Health
Information
Find Resources: California Department of Public
Health
State of California

Find Resources: California Emergency Response and
Disaster Preparedness
State of California
Climate and Health
Resources
Explore Actions: Preparing California for Extreme
Heat: Guidance and Recommendations
California Environmental
Protection Agency
(CalEPA), California
Climate Action Team
(CAT), California
Department of Public
Health. October, 2013.

Explore Actions: Climate Action for Health:
Integrating Public Health into
Climate Action Planning
California Department of
Public Health. February,
2012.
June 2016

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