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Local and Regional Resources
AirNow: Local and Regional Data (U.S. Air Quality Index)
AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy for you. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health.
Climate and Health in Illinois (IL Dept of Public Health)
A 2015 report prepared for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Main points: Climate change has begun and we are seeing the impacts here in Illinois. Many health conditions are tied to climate and
extreme weather. As the climate of Illinois becomes warmer, wetter, and more unstable,
some people and some communities are at a higher risk than others for health problems.
Climate Safe Neighborhoods: Milwaukee (GroundWork USA)
As part of the Climate Safe Neighborhoods (CSN) partnership, Groundwork Milwaukee is working with residents and stakeholders to explore the relationship between the city’s history of housing segregation and the current and predicted impacts of the climate crisis. Historical redlining maps and modern satellite imagery reveal a relationship between federal race-based housing segregation and vulnerability to extreme heat and flooding in Milwaukee today.
Cooling Centers in Chicago
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services operates Cooling Centers during the summer months.
Cooling Sites in Milwaukee County
Find a public place with air conditioning in Milwaukee County and the Greater Milwaukee area.
National Resources
AirNow: National Data (U.S. Air Quality Index)
AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy for you. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health.
Environmental Justice Index (CDC)
The Environmental Justice Index (EJI) is the first national, place-based tool designed to measure the cumulative impacts of environmental burden through the lens of human health and health equity.
The EJI delivers a single score for each community so that public health officials can identify and map areas most at risk for the health impacts of environmental burden. Social factors such as poverty, race, and ethnicity, along with pre-existing health conditions may increase these impacts. This tool helps public health officials prioritize action for those communities most at need.
Climate Change (American Public Health Association)
Find national and regional research on climate change and public health. Regions include Alaska, California, Midwest, Northeast, Northern Great Plains, and more.
Climate Change and Health Equity (U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services)
Information on health risks posed to humans by climate change. Includes links from Office of Climate Change and Helath Equity and the Office of Environmental Justice.
Climate Effects on Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Information from the CDC on effects of climate change on health such as air pollution, food security, and temperature extremes. Provides national and regional data.
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Heat related illnesses and death are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information for the nation to reduce the health, economic, and infrastructural impacts of extreme heat.
Understanding the Connections Between Climate Change and Health (Environmental Protection Agency)
A science-focused look at climate impacts on environmental and social human health including health outcomes. Populations with increased vulnerabilities are highlighted.
