ProblemClimate change presents existential threats to human health and the sustainability of life on earth. [1][2] Increased global temperatures have resulted in more frequent and extreme weather events, widespread fires, and catastrophic flooding, which in turn affect food production, air quality, access to clean drinking water, safe shelter, vector-borne diseases, and essential infrastructure; thus threatening the health of people, animals, and ecosystems (Figure 1). 2 The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a multitude of health effects resulting from climate disruptions including increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; injuries and premature deaths related to extreme weather events; changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of food-and waterborne illnesses and other infectious diseases; and threats to mental health. [3][4] Moreover, climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations who have minimally contributed to causing these climate problems including people living on low incomes, some communities of color, immigrants including those with limited English proficiency, Indigenous peoples, pregnant people and children, older adults, at-risk occupational groups, persons with disabilities, and persons with preexisting or chronic medical conditions. 2,5 In fact, countries ranked as highly vulnerable to climate change have a 10-times higher mortality rate from hazardous climate events compared to those less vulnerable. 6 The number of climate refugees will continue to increase due to diminished access to food and essential resources. Social unrest triggered by climate changes provokes conflicts and threatens community, national, and international security. 7
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