Climate & The Environment

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is the disruption of historic weather patterns as a result of human activities. The biggest driver of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil to produce energy. When fossil fuels are burned, they release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. These gases act like an atmospheric blanket, directing heat that would otherwise escape into outer space back to earth’s surface. As the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, so does the amount of captured heat, leading to increases in Earth’s average surface temperature. This warming process is having a number of effects, including more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecological changes.

Climate Change and Public Health

Climate change can affect people’s health in multiple ways. Extreme weather events such as heat waves and wildfire smoke events are linked to negative health outcomes. As these events become more common, so will their health impacts. Changing weather patterns and increased average temperatures may also cause ecological changes that promote the transmission of vector- and water-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and vibriosis.

People who are at high risk for health complications or who live or work in settings that put them at increased risk of exposure to climate-driven health impacts will be disproportionately affected by climate change. Climate vulnerability is also affected by social determinants of health such as education, housing, and access to healthcare.

Increasing Climate Resilience

KPHD is working to help make Kitsap County more resilient in the face of climate change. Climate-informed emergency planning and public health outreach can help protect the community from the effects of extreme weather. Supporting climate-friendly planning initiatives, such as improving access to safe active transport options or making buildings more energy efficient, can help reduce the magnitude of future climate impacts. Together, KPHD and its community partners can come together to collaborate, plan, and implement climate preparedness strategies that will help protect the well-being of our community.