Climate change may cause extreme weather events and changes in rainfall that increase the risk of death and disease. These effects and impacts will vary by region and location – creating differing public health threats and challenges across the country.

Climate change impacts human health not only by region, but as a result of the relative vulnerability of different populations. Children, the elderly, the poor, and those with chronic health conditions are considered the most susceptible to the negative health impacts of climate change, and any strategies for managing climate change impacts should take their unique challenges and needs into account.