Library: Climate Change and Health: Regional, National, Global Resources

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.
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) is a statewide collaboration of scientists and stakeholders formed as a partnership between UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. WICCI’s goals are to evaluate climate change impacts on Wisconsin and foster solutions.

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.
Effects of Climate Change 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.

Global Resources

Climate Change and Health (World Health Organization) Introduction to climate change and health includes translations into Arabic, English, French, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.
Climate Change for Health Professionals: A Pocket Book (Pan American Health Organization) With this quick reference guide, providers can easily recognize diseases and side effects related to climate change, implement appropriate management and provide guidance to exposed populations, provide up-to-date information on the relationship between the adverse effects of certain drugs and the worsening of climate-sensitive health conditions, and determine the possible consequences of climate change for health services.
Climate Resources for Health Education (Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education) An expert-reviewed repository of learning objectives, slides, and cases for climate change and health curricula.