Researchers Consider Climate Change Impact on Health_美文

Researchers Consider Climate Change Impact on Health

Other research concerns the spread of malaria. A larger portion of Africa than previously predicted is now at high risk for malaria transmission, according to a new University of Florida mapping study. Malaria will arrive in new areas, the research suggests, posing a risk to new populations and will require changes in managing public health. The study also shows that some parts of Africa will become too hot for malaria.

Part of Luber's job involves preparing the public for the threat of climate change, bringing in the latest science and help the various states integrate climate change into their planning. For example, CDC's research shows that the state of Oregon will soon experience heatwaves. Oregon is known for its temperate weather.

"We work with them (state health officials) to assess their weather or climate-related risks, and through the use of climate models discovered that while they don't experience heatwaves now, the future projections is that they will start experiencing heatwaves in the future," said Luber.

Oregon actually experienced two unusual heat waves last summer. The CDC advised health authorities to set up cooling shelters and help people who are especially vulnerable to heat. Luber said the southeastern states will be more prone to inland flooding as the climate changes, which will mean people there will have to find a source of clean water.