Climate Change
Climate change is a global issue and thus it can be challenging to for individual cities, regions, states, and nations to determine how they can contribute to reducing, monitoring, regulating, or mitigating climate change effects. However, many jurisdictions are taking efforts to address climate change locally. While much of the research on climate change is focused on environmental health outcomes, human health outcomes also are apparent. In general, climate change, itself, does not cause health problems; however, human health is affected indirectly through the relationship of climate change to air pollution, water pollution, weather patterns, and the spreading of disease. In this context, planners play an important role in affecting development patterns, transportation systems, and regulations in ways to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and protect carbon sinks, such as forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands.
Health and Places Initiative (HAPI) Research Brief
Climate Change [PDF]
External Resources
Click here to view a list of external resources on climate change