Climate change is a public health crisis
Cities across the globe experienced record heat this summer, further demonstrating the urgent need to treat climate change as a health issue. The rise in temperatures has led to an increase in climate-related illness, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries, and premature deaths related to extreme weather events. As if that wasn’t enough, the world is also experiencing changes in the prevalence and distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses and threats to mental health. Climate change has also disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, including communities of color, low-income communities, children, and older adults. Without intervention, climate change will continue to exacerbate existing health disparities and pose a serious threat to achieving health equity for all.
Federal lawmakers have taken key steps to fight the climate health crisis. In its first weeks, the Biden administration established the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. Last spring, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a call-to-action for health care stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Kaiser Permanente joined the HHS climate pledge as part of our ongoing commitment to improve conditions that affect the health of our patients and communities.
On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. In addition to continuing affordable health coverage and curbing unsustainably high drug prices, the law will provide $369 billion in strategic investment to tackle the climate crisis, including supporting clean energy generation and green technology for homes and commercial buildings. Kaiser Permanente is encouraged by the provisions in the bill and supported the legislation.
We will continue to update you on this public health crisis and about any opportunities where you can take action. Thank you for all that you do to improve the health of our patients, members, and communities.
Colin Fields, MD, AAHIVS
Medical Director, Government Relations & Public Policy
Washington Permanente Medical Group
Stephen Parodi, MD
EVP, External Affairs, Communications, and Brand
The Permanente Federation