Climate Change WCPHD

CLIMATE CHANGE PREPARATION

WASHTENAW COUNTY 2016

Overview of climate change and its impactsOverview of Washtenaw County How climate change is expected to impact Washtenaw

CountyWhy Washtenaw County should prepare for climate

changeHow Washtenaw County should prepare for climate

change Final thoughts on preparing for climate change

OVERVIEW

Climate change is one of the biggest issues currently facing our planet. Climate change has the potential to cause dramatic environmental, economic, and health issues.

CLIMATE CHANGE OVERVIEW

Although our planet experiences natural cycles of temperature and CO2 concentration, there is now an unprecedented amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) building up in Earth’s atmosphere.

There is overwhelming scientific consensus that this increase in GHGs is due to human activities and is resulting in a rise in average surface temperatures on Earth.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is happening now. The Earth’s temperature has already risen by 1.5 degrees F over the past century. This relatively small change in temperature can lead to dangerous shifts in climate and weather patterns all over the world.

We can reduce the risk we face from climate change by making choices to reduce our carbon footprint and prepare ourselves for the changes that are already underway.

CLIMATE CHANGE

www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator

Washtenaw County is located in southeast Michigan and covers an area of 722 square miles with a population of around 358,000 residents.

Washtenaw County is comprised of both rural and metropolitan areas which are vulnerable to potential climate change impacts, including: increasing extreme weather

events increasing temperature greater precipitation variability

WASHTENAW COUNTY

WASHTENAW COUNTY

Climate change induced precipitation and temperature predictions specific to Washtenaw County were developed by the University of Michigan Climate Center.

This scientific model projects temperature increase for all seasons, increased winter precipitation, and decreased summer precipitation.

U of M’s Climate Center projection model shows that by 2040 Washtenaw County climate will be comparable to present day Saint Louis, in terms of temperature and precipitation.

WASHTENAW COUNTY

According to scientific models, in Washtenaw County climate change will lead to: rising temperatures more frequent extreme weather events greater precipitation variability

These climate drivers lead to numerous climate impacts including: extreme heat-related human health risks changes in crop yields changes in water quality decreased air quality greater risk of drought increased instances of flooding increased competition for water

WASHTENAW COUNTY

Public decisions-makers have a critical opportunity to start preparing for the impacts of climate change today and work towards reducing our current and future greenhouse gas emissions.

If we wait until climate change impacts are clear to develop preparedness plans we will be poorly equipped to handle the resulting economic, ecological, and health consequences.

Preparing for climate change is not a “one size fits all” process, as the impact of climate change varies greatly from place to place. Preparedness plans will need to be tailored to the each region, and that is why it is critical that local governments take an active role in preparing.

THE CASE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE PREPARATION

In order to address and better understand the unique set of climate change related health issues that face Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County Public Health Department should create an Emergency Preparedness Plan specific to climate change.

Many counties such around the country have well developed climate action plans, including: Boulder County, Colorado King County, Washington Miami-Dade County, Florida

It is now clear that there are numerous ways that health will be impacted by climate change, and we must take steps to prepare for these changes.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH

Climate change influences human health and disease in numerous ways as some existing health threats will become more severe and new health issues will arise altogether.

An individual’s risk for certain climate change related health issues can be altered by their age, economic status, health, and geographic location.

The Midwest is one of the less susceptible regions to climate change issues in the United States, since it is not directly affected by rising sea-levels. However there are still real issues that will emerge in Michigan due to climate change.


Serious health effects due to climate change include: Increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease Injuries and premature death related to extreme weather

events Changes in distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses Increases in infections diseases rates Threats to mental health


It is clear that climate change will impact Washtenaw County residents, and our regional government organizations should take an active role to prepare for these changes.

Combating climate change requires a collaborative, regional response that includes the participation of Washtenaw County’s public and private sectors as well as its residents.

CLIMATE CHANGE PREPARATION

There are many steps residents can take to reduce future climate change impacts and address the health impacts that are happening already, such as:

Reduce their carbon footprint Active transportation (biking, walking) to reduce air pollution Encourage government officials to plan for climate change Eat locally sourced foods Increase public transportation use

TOOLS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE PREPARATION

There are many steps Washtenaw County can take to reduce future climate change impacts and address the health impacts that are happening already, such as:

Allocate funds to research the region’s risk for climate change Research the sources of GHGs used in the county Partner with local Universities to study regional climate change impacts Lead by example and improve energy efficiency of buildings and cars Promote and incentivize employee carbon footprint reduction Publicly state support for climate change preparation Share information regarding climate change to residents View climate change as a health issue and address it accordingly Collaborate with other regional governments to plan for climate change Collaborate with other regional governments around the country Create a countywide Climate Action Plan


First steps…

Engage residents in climate change discussions, host public forums to talk openly about climate change and it’s potential impacts for Washtenaw County residents.

Collaborate with local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations with the goal of creating an inclusive, shared regional vision for combatting climate change in Washtenaw County.


Hosting climate change planning sessions was an effective tool for increasing public awareness and engagement in climate change issues in King County, WA.

These events also helped the local government to understand the residents views regarding climate change.


Climate change is real and it is happening now. We must work together to prepare for the environmental, economic and health issues that will arise from our changing climate.

Washtenaw County has the opportunity to lead the way in preparing for the effects of climate change in the Midwest and serve as an example for other regional governments.

FINAL THOUGHTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Statesatrisk.org

www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator



King County Miami-Dade CountyBoulder County

Documents

Climate Change WCPHD