New Report Details How Extreme Heat will Affect the Bay Area

If we don’t act on climate change now, in about 50 years San Francisco could see as many as 30 above-90-degree days annually, according to a new report. Forum talks about the report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, how Bay Area temperatures will likely change in coming decades and the health impacts of extreme heat. Featuring PHI’s Dr. Linda Rudolph.

Guests:

Dr. Kristina Dahl, senior climate scientist, Climate and Energy program, Union of Concerned Scientists; lead author “Killer Heat” report

Molly Peterson, science reporter, KQED News

Linda Rudolph, senior advisor on climate change and health, Public Health Institute

Listen to the discussion on KQED Forum. 

Related resources

• PHI Joins Call to Action on Climate, Equity and Health: In June of 2019, PHI joined together with more than 70 organizations to sign on to the Climate, Health and Equity: A Policy Action Agenda, which calls on government officials and policymakers to take swift action in implementing solutions to address climate, health and equity. The declaration contains six priority action policy recommendations: meeting the requirements of the Paris Agreement; using renewable energy; implementing zero-carbon transportation systems; promoting sustainable farms and food systems; making clean, safe drinking water available for all people; and adopting policies that support communities and workers who have been adversely impacted by climate change. Learn more and sign on.
• Climate Change, Health, and Equity: Opportunities for Action: In this report, PHI’s Center for Climate Change and Health explores the many ways in which climate change, health, and equity are connected. With input from more than a hundred public health professionals and community health, equity, and environmental justice advocates, and support from the Kresge Foundation, this report presents a conceptual framework to help demonstrate how these issues are linked, and to identify opportunities and recommendations for action.
• 6 Ways Climate Change Harms Health in California: The looming effects of climate change upon California’s communities, particularly those that are disproportionately vulnerable, are becoming increasingly urgent and severe. In an infographic created by the Public Health Institute and our Center for Climate Change and Health, learn how climate change is already contributing to California’s rising rates of disease, poverty, and death—and find out how you can take action now.
• Learn more about PHI’s work to address climate change. PHI considers climate change to be one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century, and we are dedicated to tackling the challenge of climate change while creating more vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities throughout the US and around the world. See how we can work together.

Originally published by KQED Forum