Climate Change and Human Health Risks in Your State

In Alabama, sea levels are rising one inch every eight years. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Alabama residents include:

• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• More intense hurricanes can disrupt infrastructure, which can prevent access to health care. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such boiling water before use.
  • Respond: Keep power generators outside to avoid fire and carbon monoxide risks.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in coastal waters may make eating fish and shellfish less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Alaska has warmed twice as fast as the rest of the nation. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Alaskans include:

• Permafrost (soil that stays frozen all year) will thaw, and resulting runoff may pollute food and drinking water sources. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in coastal waters may make eating fish and shellfish less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.


• Large wildfires are occurring more often, and wildfire seasons are lasting longer. This increases health risks such as those related to smoke inhalation and evacuations. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires, such as:
  • Prepare: Follow your doctor's instructions for managing existing lung diseases and medicines.
  • Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and evacuation orders.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Arizona has warmed about 2°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Arizona residents include:

• Cases of valley fever, a fungal infection, have increased in the Southwest. Climate change and drought may help spread this disease into new areas. Learn how you can take action to prevent valley fever, such as:
  • Prepare: Learn about valley fever's symptoms and risks.
  • Prepare: Talk to your doctor about antifungal treatment if diagnosed.


• The Southwest is likely to face more frequent and intense droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Navajo communities in Arizona already face a lack of water for their households and farming. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
  • Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
  • Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells.


• Large wildfires are occurring more often, and wildfire seasons are lasting longer. This increases health risks such as smoke inhalation or burns. In 2013, the Yarnell Hill Fire killed 19 firefighters. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires, such as:
  • Prepare: Keep your air-conditioning filter clean, and close the unit's fresh air intake.
  • Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and evacuation orders.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In Arkansas, annual rainfall has increased. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Arkansas residents include:

• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• More carbon dioxide causes some plants to produce more pollen. This will combine with longer growing seasons and other changes to result in more allergy and asthma episodes. Learn how you can take action to prevent asthma attacks and allergy symptoms, such as:
  • Prepare: Talk to a doctor and make an Asthma Action Plan.
  • Prepare: Clean and replace air conditioner filters often.


• Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more mosquitoes. Mosquito bites can transmit diseases like West Nile virus to humans. Learn how you can take action to protect against mosquitoes, such as:
  • Prepare: Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Prepare: Keep window and door screens in good condition.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

California is warming – Southern California has warmed about 3°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts, like wildfire and drought, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Californians include:

• Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more frequent or intense droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
  • Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
  • Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells.


• More frequent and longer-lasting wildfires cause more emergency room visits for asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires, such as:
  • Prepare: Follow your doctor's instructions for managing existing lung diseases and medicines.
  • Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and evacuation orders.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the season and move into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Colorado has warmed 1°F or 2°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Colorado residents include:

• Large wildfires are occurring more often, and wildfire seasons are lasting longer. This increases health risks such as those related to smoke inhalation and evacuations. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires, such as:
  • Prepare: Keep your air-conditioning filter clean, and close the unit's fresh air intake.
  • Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and evacuation orders.


• More floods will occur in some mountain watersheds. Floods, like the 2013 Colorado Front Range Flood, can lead to illness, injury, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Ask someone out-of-state to act as a "family contact" in case your family is separated.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.


• The Southwest is likely to face more frequent and intense droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
  • Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
  • Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Connecticut has warmed 2°F to 3°F in the last century and heavy rain storms are happening more often. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Connecticut residents include:

• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• Extreme weather events can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges, or utilities). For example, a heat wave contributed to the 2003 Northeast blackout. Power outages have been linked to increased injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Ask someone out-of-state to act as a "family contact" in case your family is separated.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.


• Intense hurricanes are becoming more common. Flooding associated with hurricanes (like Superstorm Sandy) increases the risk of injury and disease. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Plan and practice your evacuation route. Evacuate when advised to do so.
  • Prepare: Ask someone out-of-state to act as a "family contact" in case your family is separated.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Delaware has warmed 2°F in the last century and the sea is rising about one inch every seven years. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Delaware residents include:

• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• Extreme weather events can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges, or utilities). For example, a heat wave contributed to the 2003 Northeast blackout. Power outages have been linked to increased injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.
  • Respond: Keep power generators outside to avoid fire and carbon monoxide risks.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the season and will move north into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Heat waves, heavy downpours, and sea level rise pose growing challenges to many aspects of life in the District of Columbia. Examples of risks and actions for District of Columbia residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In D.C., the urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share the same pipes). This can contaminate recreational water and drinking water sources, and lead to disease outbreaks. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in the Chesapeake Bay may make eating oysters less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to D.C.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

The sea around Florida is rising about one inch every decade and heavy rainstorms are becoming more severe. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Floridians include:

• More frequent, severe, or longer lasting extreme events can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma. Learn how you can take action to cope with post-disaster mental health impacts, such as:
  • Respond: Be aware of signs of withdrawal, depression, or other indications that someone needs help. Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for crisis support.
  • Respond: Communicate openly to keep relationships healthy. Help children discuss their feelings after a traumatic event.


• Sea level rise and coastal droughts can cause saltwater to move into fresh groundwater, threatening drinking water supplies. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in coastal waters may make eating fish and shellfish less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In Georgia, sea level is rising about one inch every decade. This and other climate impacts, like more very hot days, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Georgia residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In Atlanta and other large cities, the urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in coastal waters may make eating fish and shellfish less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Since the 1950s, sea surface temperatures around Hawaii have increased. This and other climate impacts, like decreased rainfall, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Hawaii residents include:

• Climate change will make coastal floods worse. These floods can cause injuries, deaths, and mental health impacts. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Plan and practice your evacuation route. Evacuate when advised to do so.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.


• Extreme weather events can disrupt important infrastructure (such as utilities and roads). Pacific Islanders rely on ports and airports that are vulnerable to storms and sea level rise to receive food and other supplies. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such boiling water before use.
  • Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.


• Increasing drought threatens traditional food sources such as taro and breadfruit. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
  • Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
  • Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In the Northwest, climate change is expected to double the annual amount of land burned by wildfires by the end of the century. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health in Idaho. Examples of risks and actions for Idaho residents include:

• Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more mosquitoes. Mosquito bites can transmit diseases like West Nile virus to humans. Learn how you can take action to protect against mosquitoes, such as:
  • Prepare: Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Prepare: Keep window and door screens in good condition.


• More frequent and longer-lasting wildfires cause more emergency room visits for asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Learn how you can take action to protect against wildfires, such as:
  • Prepare: Keep your air-conditioning filter clean, and close the unit's fresh air intake.
  • Respond: Check local news and reports for information on air quality, visibility, and evacuation orders.


• More floods will occur in some mountain watersheds. Floods can lead to illness, injury, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Ask someone out-of-state to act as a "family contact" in case your family is separated.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Illinois has warmed by about 1°F in the last century, and floods are becoming more frequent. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Illinois residents include:

• Higher temperatures and other weather changes will increase levels of ozone pollution (a component of smog), increasing health risks like asthma-related hospital visits. Learn how you can take action to protect against poor air quality, such as:
  • Prepare: Check news or airnow.gov for the local air quality index.
  • Respond: Reduce outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.


• More frequent and intense heavy rainfall increases the risk of floods. Floods can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Respond: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic containers with clean water.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Indiana has warmed about 1°F in the last century and floods are becoming more frequent. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Indiana residents include:

• Heat waves have become more common in the Midwest over the last 60 years. Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.


• More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share the same pipes). Overflows into Lake Michigan are expected to increase 120% over the next 80 years. This could pollute recreational and drinking water sources. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Iowa has warmed about 0.5°F to 1°F in the last century and floods are becoming more frequent. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Iowa residents include:

• Heat waves have become more common in the Midwest over the last 60 years. Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• Extreme weather events, such as floods, can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges, or utilities), which can prevent access to health care. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Keep power generators outside to avoid fire and carbon monoxide risks.
  • Respond: Discard perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In the past century, most of Kansas has warmed by at least 0.5°F and the soil is becoming drier. These, and other climate impacts, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Kansas residents include:

• Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more frequent or intense droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Learn how you can take action to protect against droughts, such as:
  • Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
  • Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private wells.


• Droughts also make it easier for soil dust to become airborne. Dust storms lower air quality and cause breathing and visibility problems. Learn how you can take action to protect against dust storms, such as:
  • Respond: Seek shelter immediately.
  • Respond: Stay low, and cover eyes, nose, and mouth.


• Heavy downpours cause more frequent and severe floods. Floods, such as those that occurred during Thanksgiving in 2015, can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Respond: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic containers with clean water.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In Kentucky, average yearly rainfall is increasing. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Kentucky residents include:

• Climate change will increase average temperatures across the US. Higher temperatures have been linked with a higher risk of kidney stones. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Stay hydrated to help prevent kidney stones. Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• Hotter temperatures increase the effects of air pollution and make pollen seasons longer. Learn how you can take action to prevent asthma attacks and allergy symptoms, such as:
  • Prepare: Talk to a doctor and make an Asthma Action Plan.
  • Respond: Limit time outdoors based on air quality reports, pollen and mold counts, and heat advisories.
  • Prepare: Clean and replace air conditioner filters often.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the season and move into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In Louisiana, soils have become drier, annual rainfall has increased, and the sea level is rising. This and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Louisiana residents include:

• Intense hurricanes are becoming more common. Flooding associated with hurricanes (like Hurricane Katrina) increases the risk of injury and disease. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Ask someone out-of-state to act as a "family contact" in case your family is separated.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.


• Warming temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico will increase the risk of ciguatera fish poisoning, the most frequently reported fish poisoning. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.


• Sea level rise will increase the loss of tribal land, threatening traditional livelihoods and access to food. Learn how you can take action to cope with post-disaster mental health impacts, such as:
  • Respond: Be aware of signs of withdrawal, depression, or other indications that someone needs help. Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for crisis support.
  • Respond: Communicate openly to keep relationships healthy. Help children discuss their feelings after a traumatic event.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Maine has warmed 3°F since 1900. This and other climate impacts, like rising sea levels, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Maine residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. People without air conditioning are at risk in the Northeast where heat waves have been rare. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• Sea level rise and coastal droughts can cause saltwater to move into fresh groundwater, threatening drinking water supplies. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the season and will move north into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Maryland has warmed 1°F to 2°F in the last century, and sea level around the state is rising about one inch every seven to eight years. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Maryland residents include:

• Although Baltimore is nearly 1,000 miles downwind from Quebec, forest fires near the Canadian city in 2002 led to an increase in Baltimore's air pollution. Breathing polluted air aggravates lung conditions. Learn how you can take action to prevent asthma attacks and allergy symptoms, such as:
  • Prepare: Talk to a doctor and make an Asthma Action Plan.
  • Prepare: Clean and replace air conditioner filters often.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in Chesapeake Bay may make eating oysters less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Respond: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.


• More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share the same pipes). This can contaminate recreational water and sources of drinking water, and lead to disease outbreaks. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Massachusetts has warmed by more than 2°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts, like more severe storms, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Massachusetts residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In Boston and other large cities, the urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share the same pipes). This can contaminate recreational water and sources of drinking water, and lead to disease outbreaks. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• Longer warm seasons mean that Lyme disease-carrying ticks will emerge earlier in the season and move north into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Michigan has warmed 2°F to 3°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts, like more frequent heavy rainstorms, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Michigan residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In Detroit and other large cities, urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• Extreme weather events, such as floods, can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges, or utilities), which can prevent access to health care. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.
  • Respond: Discard perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.


• Ticks will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.


• For Ojibwe peoples, rising temperatures and ecosystem impacts threaten culturally and economically important species like wild rice and moose.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Minnesota has warmed 1°F to 3°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts, like more frequent heavy rainstorms, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Minnesotans include:

• Heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths will increase. People without air conditioning are at risk in Northern states where heat waves have been rare. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• Lyme disease-carrying ticks will emerge earlier in the season and move north into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.


• More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share pipes). More frequent overflows threaten water quality in the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to more than 40 million people. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water safety, such as:
  • Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per person/pet per day).
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.


• For Ojibwe peoples, rising temperatures and ecosystem impacts threaten culturally and economically important species like wild rice and moose.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In Mississippi, sea levels are rising one inch every seven years and soils have become drier. These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Mississippi residents include:

• Climate change will increase average temperatures across the US. Higher temperatures have been linked with a higher risk of kidney stones. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Stay hydrated to help prevent kidney stones.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• More intense hurricanes can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges, or utilities), which can prevent access to health care. Learn how you can take action to manage infrastructure disruptions, such as:
  • Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such boiling water before use.
  • Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.
  • Respond: Keep power generators outside to avoid fire and carbon monoxide risks.


• Increasing levels of harmful algae and bacteria in coastal waters may make eating fish and shellfish less safe. These contaminants cause infections or stomach illnesses. Learn how you can take action to ensure food safety, such as:
  • Respond: Check for health department notices before fishing or harvesting shellfish.
  • Prepare: Keep seafood chilled to less than 38°F. Discard any perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four hours.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Missouri has warmed 0.5°F to 1°F in the last century and floods are becoming more frequent. These, and other climate impacts, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Missourians include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In Kansas City, St. Louis, and other large cities, urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• More frequent and intense heavy rainfall increases the risk of floods. Floods can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Prepare: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such boiling water before use.
  • Respond: Avoid fallen power lines.


• Longer warm seasons mean that ticks will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect against ticks, such as:
  • Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that pets may bring ticks into the house.
  • Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and consider using insect repellent.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Most of Montana has warmed about 2°F in the last century and heat waves are becoming more common. These, and other climate impacts, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Montana residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. People without air conditioning are at risk in Northern states where heat waves have been rare. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.
  • Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.


• More frequent and intense droughts make it easier for soil dust to become airborne. Dust storms lower air quality and cause breathing and visibility problems. Learn how you can take action to protect against dust storms, such as:
  • Respond: Seek shelter immediately.
  • Respond: Stay low, and cover eyes, nose, and mouth.


• Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more mosquitoes. The northern Great Plains have become a hotspot for West Nile virus, a mosquito-carried disease. Learn how you can take action to protect against mosquitoes, such as:
  • Prepare: Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Prepare: Keep window and door screens in good condition.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

In the past century, most of Nebraska has warmed by at least 1°F. This and other climate impacts, like more intense rainfall, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Nebraska residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. People without air conditioning are at risk in Northern states where heat waves have been rare. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond: Drink plenty of water.
  • Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children.


• More carbon dioxide causes some plants to produce more pollen. This will combine with longer growing seasons and other changes to result in more allergy and asthma episodes. Learn how you can take action to prevent asthma attacks and allergy symptoms, such as:
  • Respond: Limit time outdoors based on air quality reports, pollen and mold counts, and heat advisories.
  • Respond: Be aware that people and pets can carry pollen inside. Don't wear outdoor work clothes in the house.
  • Prepare: Clean and replace air conditioner filters often.


• More frequent and intense heavy rainfall increases the risk of floods. Floods can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take action to protect against floods, such as:
  • Respond: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic containers with clean water.
  • Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during cleanup.

Access a PDF of this information and other resources relevant to your state.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

Nevada has warmed about 2°F in the last century. This and other climate impacts, like decreased flow in the Colorado River, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Nevada residents include:

• Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. In Las Vegas and other large cities, urban heat island effect will make heat events worse. Learn how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
  • Respond:</