LAUSR

Climate change and its impacts jeopardize the health and well-being of people across the country. Communities most vulnerable to climate impacts tend to be the least prepared to manage and recover from the physical, economic, mental, and social devastation climate change can cause.1 Children, the elderly, indigenous peoples, and those with preexisting health conditions are especially vulnerable to climate disruptions such as flooding, dangerous heat, drought, and poor air quality. This is particularly true if they live in low-income communities, which often are exposed to multiple environmental hazards, yet are least likely to have resources or connections to address the cumulative impacts of environmental exposures that are worsened by climate change. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 26, 2017: e1-e2. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.304133).