Climate Change and Public Health: Why Environmental Health Expertise Matters

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Climate Change and Public Health: Why Environmental Health Expertise Matters

Climate change has consequences, and they’re becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The issue goes far beyond hurricanes and wildfires, though these extreme events are certainly alarming. Entire communities and ecosystems now face serious, long-term risks.

At this point, prevention alone is not enough. The public’s health has already been deeply compromised, and without prompt, evidence-based interventions, the effects of climate change on human health could be devastating. Rising disease transmission, food insecurity, water scarcity, and forced migration are only a few of the challenges threatening billions of people worldwide.

Public health professionals cannot reverse the damage caused by climate change, but they can reduce its impact through research, surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health advocacy. Addressing climate change and public health challenges requires cross-disciplinary expertise and collaboration across sectors.

One pathway to contribute meaningfully is through an online MPH in Environmental Health from Texas A&M. This program equips learners with the knowledge and skills to confront climate change and health challenges head-on, preparing graduates to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience. Below, we’ll explore the relationship between climate change and health and explain how an MPH can empower future leaders to make measurable improvements in public health and climate change outcomes.

The Connection Between Climate Change and Health

Climate change is accelerating rapidly. An alarming report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals surface temperatures have reached 2.32° Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average. This difference may seem subtle, but the implications are significant. With each tenth of a degree, we see dramatic changes in weather patterns. For example, higher ocean temperatures contribute to severe hurricanes, while heat pulls moisture from the soil, causing long-lasting droughts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to climate change as a "threat multiplier," explaining that its impact extends beyond physical environments to influence "all aspects of both natural and human systems." Many effects, although less visible than catastrophic weather events, are no less concerning. Examples cited by the WHO include:

Extreme temperatures: Changes in temperature and precipitation contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and the West Nile virus.
Food disease: Higher ambient and water temperatures increase susceptibility to food-borne disease by expediting the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella.
Mental health challenges: Challenges prompted by climate change (such as displacement) can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to a rise in anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights the numerous effects of climate change, including air pollution, heat exhaustion, malaria, and even seasonal allergies.

Climate Change and Health Effects: Evidence from Research

Public health experts have long warned of the connection between climate change and health, and research continues to reveal how far-reaching those impacts truly are. Recent studies suggest that the effects of climate change on human health may be more severe and more immediate than once assumed. Below are a few key findings:

Food insecurity: According to The Lancet Countdown, approximately 98 million more people experienced food insecurity in 2020 compared with the 1981–2010 average. Economic instability plays a role, but climate-related heat and drought are projected to sharply reduce maize and wheat yields, threatening global nutrition.
Heat-related mortality: Research published in Nature Climate Change estimates that 37% of heat-related deaths can be attributed directly to climate change. Among adults over 65, such deaths have risen by 85% since the early 2000s — a dramatic illustration of how rising temperatures endanger human life.
Vector-borne disease expansion: Rates of Lyme disease have climbed from 3.2 per 100,000 people in 1993 to 18.8 per 100,000 in 2022. While improved diagnostic tools contribute somewhat, studies show that warmer climates have expanded tick habitats, intensifying transmission risks.

These findings represent only a fraction of the mounting evidence linking climate change and health effects across populations.

Vulnerable Populations: Who Is Most at Risk?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that 3.6 billion people currently live in regions highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change on human health. Many of these populations contribute the least to global carbon emissions yet face the greatest consequences — from destructive storms to prolonged droughts that intensify hunger and water scarcity.

Vulnerability also depends on demographic, geographic, and health-related factors. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to heat stress, malnutrition, and respiratory disease. Individuals with chronic illnesses, meanwhile, often face heightened danger during disasters and climate-related disease outbreaks.

Socioeconomic factors amplify these disparities. For example, marginalized and low-income communities are more likely to live in flood-prone or heat-intensive areas and less likely to have access to healthcare, clean water, or reliable shelter. These realities reinforce the need for global, equity-centered responses to climate change and public health.

The Role of Public Health in Combating Climate Change

Public health professionals play a central role in addressing the many health issues prompted or exacerbated by climate change. To truly make a difference, however, they must fully understand the link between public health and climate change, along with the strategies that contribute to overall prevention and preparedness. Opportunities for combating climate change — or, at least, mitigating its health effects — include:

Surveillance and Monitoring

Public health issues cannot be properly controlled until they are known and understood. This is where surveillance and monitoring come into play. Public health experts collect and analyze a wealth of data, seeking insights into everything from pollution levels to water contamination and the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. These insights can set the stage for targeted interventions and policy decisions.

Risk Communication

Public health professionals can inspire widespread action by communicating risks to policymakers, healthcare leaders, and the general public. This could involve awareness surrounding urgent threats such as heat waves, as well as general insights into long-term climate-related shifts and the health effects they can prompt.

Research suggests that their efforts are having an effect. Results from the survey Climate Change in the American Mind indicate that 41% of Americans can now successfully identify heat stroke as one of the health risks tied to climate change, a notable increase from the 14% who were able to do so in 2014. Nearly half of Americans also recognize that certain populations are more likely to experience significant harm from climate change.

Emergency Preparedness

When climate emergencies hit, speedy intervention is key. Public health professionals often coordinate with emergency services and local government agencies to ensure a smooth and swift response during climate-related emergencies. They advocate for solutions surrounding sanitation and food supply, limiting the likelihood that these events lead to secondary emergencies.

Policy Development

Offering evidence-based recommendations, public health professionals help shape policies that protect communities from the negative effects of climate change while also addressing root causes. Systematic Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), for example, reveal the potential health effects of various policy decisions.

Public health experts may also participate in government advisory committee hearings or various public forums related to climate change's impact on health and well-being. They can have an impact not only on federal policies but also on state or even municipal efforts.

Health Equity

Public health leaders are committed to supporting health equity, which helps ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds maintain access to supportive resources and services. Efforts to improve equity must take the disproportionate impact of climate change into account. Public health interventions can address this by improving access to clean water, healthy food, and healthcare services.

Case Examples: Climate Change and Public Health in Action

Many examples demonstrate both the growing impact of climate change on public health and the role that public health professionals can play in responding to urgent challenges:

Hurricane Harvey. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey prompted record-breaking rainfall, causing widespread flooding as the storm lingered over Texas. The event displaced over 30,000 people and led to 89 direct fatalities. It also sparked ripple effects, including biohazard exposures. Through surveillance, public health officials tracked increases in emergency department visits. Meanwhile, the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps provided care to over 3,000 impacted individuals.
California wildfires. Mega-fires in California have increased in frequency and in scope these last several years, prompting widespread health concerns such as smoke inhalation and skin irritation. Public health responses have included extensive air quality monitoring, along with the deployment of mobile clinics and advocacy for fire-resistant building codes.
Pacific Northwest heat dome. During the summer of 2021, Pacific Northwest residents endured record-breaking temperatures, leading to 250 deaths. The local response included everything from the establishment of cooling shelters to assistance from street teams and even pausing transit fare enforcement. Later, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division adopted permanent protections for those working amid excess heat.
Global dengue resurgence. Dengue is on the rise, with reported cases doubling in 2024. Experts attribute this, in part, to hotter and wetter conditions that have caused an increase in the global mosquito population. Thus far, the coordinated public health response has included increased laboratory testing, developing mosquito control programs, and urban planning efforts to limit standing water.

Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Human Health Through Policy

Through advocacy, public health professionals can drive policy changes that affect health and wellness at the local, national, and even global level. This calls for a layered approach that integrates a wide range of evidence-based strategies. Options include:

Clean energy transitions. Public health experts can advocate for a shift from energy systems involving fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives — especially renewable resources. Successful transitions include regulatory frameworks, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement, all supported by public health officials.
Urban planning. Changes in the built environment can help urban communities reduce carbon emissions while addressing concerns such as standing water (which contributes to dengue) and the heat island effect. Public health leaders can support this effort by collaborating with urban planners and advocating for investments in green infrastructure.
Food and agriculture policies. Public health advocacy can address both the agricultural impact on carbon emissions and climate-related food insecurity. It may include promoting climate-friendly techniques such as cover cropping and no-till farming, along with the development of resilient food systems to alleviate supply chain issues.

What Actions Can Individuals Take to Protect Their Health From Climate Change?

Collective action can bring about widespread change, including reductions in carbon emissions. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change have already emerged, which means prevention alone is no longer sufficient. Guided by public health recommendations, individuals can take extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Staying informed about local risks. There are several reliable sources that release up-to-date information about evolving health risks. Essentials include the National Weather Service for alerts about extreme weather events and local public health departments for detailed information regarding regional challenges.
Protecting against heat. As heat waves and heat domes become more common, individuals can protect themselves by prioritizing hydration (including beverages with electrolytes), wearing lightweight clothing, and using public, air-conditioned facilities (such as libraries) when needed.
Improving indoor air quality. With heat domes and smoke from wildfires forcing many people inside for longer periods of time, there is a stronger need for optimal indoor air quality. This can be improved via HEPA filters and by limiting sources of dust or smoke.
Preventing vector-borne disease. Many vector-borne diseases are linked to ticks and mosquitoes. Individuals can take action by wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and avoiding sources of standing water (such as bird baths). Few vaccines are available for most vector-borne illnesses; however, vaccination can potentially limit the risk of yellow fever or select forms of encephalitis.
Engaging in sustainable practices. Everyday activities can bring about collective reductions in carbon emissions. These practices also help us feel connected and empowered. There are many ways to make a difference, such as eating local, using public transit instead of driving, and supporting eco-conscious brands.
Supporting mental health. Chronic concerns such as heat and drought are linked to both increases in anxiety and psychiatric emergencies. Individuals can combat this by prioritizing mental health: working with therapists, participating in mindfulness activities, and strengthening social networks.

Careers in Environmental Health: Leading the Response

The response to climate change (and related public health risks) calls for a coordinated effort led by multidisciplinary professionals. These areas of need can open the door to many passion-driven career paths, such as:

Epidemiologists. Focused on the distribution and determinants of disease within populations, epidemiologists track a wide range of health threats, offering data-driven guidance to inform impactful interventions.
Environmental health officers. Monitoring air quality, chemical exposures, and other climate-focused concerns, environmental health officers respond to public health emergencies and prioritize preventive strategies and community education.
Disaster response coordinators. Tasked with planning emergency preparedness programs and implementing measures during catastrophic events, disaster response coordinators allocate and mobilize resources while also facilitating seamless communication between various agencies.
Policy analysts and advocates. Public health professionals can play a central role in advocating for policies that address both the causes and effects of climate change. They draw on advanced research to provide actionable recommendations, all while shining a light on the need for policies that promote climate resilience and health equity.

Why Environmental Health Expertise Matters Now More Than Ever

As climate change continues to accelerate, we can expect to see health impacts intensify. Fortunately, these issues can be addressed through research-backed interventions supported by public health experts. Environmental health expertise sets the stage for optimal policy decisions, along with coordinated emergency responses and ongoing community education. These layered strategies can improve our collective resilience and even have a documented impact on health and well-being.

Make a Positive Difference With an MPH in Environmental Health

If you are concerned about climate change and eager to make a difference, you could drive change via environmental health. At Texas A&M, we want to empower you to protect communities while promoting a sustainable future. Explore our Master of Public Health in Environmental Health online program and discover how you can turn your passion into action.

Frequently Asked Questions About Climate Change and Health

How does climate change affect human health?

Climate change increases susceptibility to vector-borne and heat-related illnesses. It also contributes to food insecurity and respiratory illnesses linked to increased air pollution.

Which populations are most vulnerable to environmental health concerns?

Communities with high populations of low socioeconomic status individuals are susceptible to climate change-related health issues. Other vulnerable populations include children and seniors.

What role does public health play in addressing climate change?

Public health professionals monitor and research environmental hazards. They use these insights to plan and implement prevention strategies, as well as for climate-friendly policies.

Can careers in environmental health make a difference?

Environmental health careers can make a positive difference by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change while promoting health equity. This helps ensure that even the most vulnerable populations can access necessary resources amid climate-related challenges.