public health
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Hurricanes are becoming less predictable and more dangerous
Fueled by rising ocean temperatures, hurricanes are intensifying faster, lasting longer, and becoming less predictable, posing new challenges for communities worldwide.
In short:
- Climate change is extending hurricane seasons and increasing their intensity, with warmer oceans providing more energy for storms.
- Hurricanes are slowing down, leading to prolonged rainfall and increased damage in affected areas.
- Shifting hurricane tracks are bringing extreme storms to regions unaccustomed to such events.
Key quote:
"Because we can't suddenly turn off climate change and have everything go back to the way it was. There's an inertia to the system that we can't really get past. And so adaptation is going to be a big part of it."
— James Kossin, climate and atmospheric scientist, NOAA, retired
Why this matters:
Hurricanes are no longer playing by the rules. As climate change cranks up the Earth's thermostat, these once somewhat predictable storms are turning into wild cards, packing unpredictable punches that leave communities scrambling to pick up the pieces. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
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Newsletter
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Court delays Biden administration's cross-state air pollution plan
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the EPA's plan to reduce air pollution across state lines, hindering Biden's environmental agenda.
In short:
- The Supreme Court has put a hold on the EPA's "good neighbor" plan, which aimed to cut ozone pollution from Western and Midwestern states affecting Eastern states.
- The ruling was a narrow 5-4 decision, with Justice Gorsuch writing for the majority, stating the stay will remain until a federal appeals court reviews the matter.
- Justice Barrett, dissenting, warned that the decision would allow continued pollution, impacting downwind states' air quality and public health.
Key quote:
“The court’s extraordinary decision today to grant an emergency stay is a travesty of justice that puts the lives and health of millions of people at risk.”
— Vickie Patton, general counsel of the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
This decision delays efforts to mitigate harmful air pollution, posing risks to public health, particularly for those in downwind states affected by emissions linked to asthma and lung disease. More reading: "Breathless" is EHN's in-depth look at Pittsburgh's asthma epidemic and the fight to stop it.
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Credit: Chris Bentley/Flickr
Living near fossil gas leaks can seriously harm your health
Scientists use leaked methane to map toxic health threats in affected communities.
In short:
- Communities in the Permian Basin are experiencing health risks from pollutants released by oil and gas production.
- Studies link these pollutants to premature deaths and childhood asthma, with a significant annual health bill in the US.
- New technologies are helping to detect and map methane leaks, potentially reducing exposure to harmful emissions.
Key quote:
"The highest concentrations of these non-methane hydrocarbons are in gas at wellheads, which also have the highest emission rates."
— Amy Townsend-Small, professor and climate scientist at the University of Cincinnati
Why this matters:
Living near fossil gas infrastructure poses severe health risks, including respiratory issues and cancer. Detecting and reducing methane emissions can improve air quality and public health outcomes. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages.
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Top Story
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Labor and environmental groups push FEMA to classify extreme heat as a major disaster
A coalition of labor, environmental, and healthcare organizations is urging FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters, aiming to unlock federal funds for community protection and worker safety.
In short:
- More than 60 groups filed a petition for FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters.
- The move is supported by major labor unions aiming to protect outdoor workers and those without air-conditioning during heat waves.
- Previous attempts to classify heat waves as disasters were denied, but petitioners cite the precedent of COVID-19's disaster declaration to bolster their case.
Key quote:
“We are never going to be able to address the changing climate or threats to the future under the existing system.”
— Brock Long, FEMA administrator during the Trump administration
Why this matters:
Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. annually than hurricanes and floods combined. Recognizing heat as a major disaster would improve public health protections and infrastructure resilience. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.
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Scientists urge Canada to address emerging water contaminants in the Great Lakes
Scientists studying unregulated contaminants are calling for coordinated action from Ontario and federal governments to protect water and health in the Great Lakes region.
In short:
- Emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and PFAS are not being removed by Ontario's outdated wastewater treatment systems.
- These contaminants pose a threat to the Great Lakes, which supply drinking water to millions and are home to diverse ecosystems.
- Other Great Lakes states, like Michigan and New York, have implemented measures to reduce these contaminants, putting Ontario behind in environmental protection.
Key quote:
“Contaminants keep changing and growing. We’ll get much more. Are we really going to wait to see humans impacted before we start addressing this?”
— Rania Hamza, civil engineering professor at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Why this matters:
The presence of unregulated contaminants in the Great Lakes poses serious risks to human health and the environment. With millions relying on the Great Lakes for water, comprehensive measures are essential to prevent long-term ecological damage and negative health impacts. Read more: Long-banned toxics are still accumulating in Great Lakes birds—as new chemical threats emerge.
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Credit: Oregon State University/Flickr
Tiny steps to reduce your exposure to microplastics
Microplastics, pervasive in our daily lives, can now be found in nearly every part of the human body, raising concerns about potential health risks.
In short:
- Microplastics, found in food, air, and water, are hard to avoid but reducing processed foods and using alternatives to plastic can help lower exposure.
- Plastic items like bottles and containers release more microplastics when heated; consider using glass for storage and preparation.
- Household dust and clothing shed microplastics; regular vacuuming with HEPA filters and mindful laundry practices can reduce inhalation risks.
Key quote:
“You’re not going to get to zero, but you can reduce your levels.”
— Tracey Woodruff, professor at the University of California, San Francisco
Why this matters:
Reducing microplastic exposure is important for long-term health, as research suggests links to inflammatory bowel disease and heart complications. Taking simple steps can mitigate risks while scientists work to understand the full impact of microplastics on human health. Read more: A plastic recipe for societal suicide.
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Newsletter
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Climate change is becoming a focus in medical school education
Amid rising concerns about the health impacts of climate change, medical students around the world are advocating for enhanced climate health education in their curricula.
In short:
- Harvard Medical School implemented a climate change curriculum in 2022, driven by student advocacy.
- Surveys show that students find the curriculum valuable for understanding climate-related health impacts.
- Similar programs are emerging in medical schools worldwide to prepare future doctors for climate health challenges.
Key quote:
"This is not just about teaching climate change, but it’s about good medicine."
— Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment
Why this matters:
Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and poor air quality are linked to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases. Medical students argue that understanding these connections is crucial for effective patient care and public health strategies.
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