Sen. Markey Proposal Tackles the Impacts of Climate Change on Health

This bill provides critical health care infrastructure and resources to communities facing crises at the intersection of climate and health by assessing community needs and vulnerabilities. The bill would also engage key stakeholders, including impacted communities, scientists, health care professionals and health care service administrators, among other provisions.

In February, Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University published a new study that found all states in the U.S. are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly neighborhoods that have experienced, disproportionate environmental harms and risks, health disparities and infrastructure problems. This study was based on the Climate Vulnerability Index, a science-based tool that provides the necessary evidence to support greater investment in the areas that are most vulnerable.

We commend Senator Ed Markey (MA) and Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) for proposing legislation to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health and improve health outcomes, especially for communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Their whole-of-government approach draws a critical link between climate change and health.