Climate Change

Climate change is the significant and lasting change of our weather over sustained periods of time.  According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, most of the observed increase in temperature over the last 50 years is very likely the result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.  And this change in climate will drastically impact how we live.

Climate change is a major risk to public health, and it will significantly increase disease and other adverse health outcomes in California.  Some health impacts will be direct, such as injuries that occur during wildfires.  Other health impacts will arise as a result of changes in ecology and environmental degradation.

By contributing data and expertise, the California Environmental Health Tracking Program (CEHTP) is supporting larger efforts within the California Department of Public Health to assist Californians in preventing and preparing for the health effects of climate change.