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Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control
Environmental Health Investigations Branch
Climate Change and Your Health

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Climate Change and your Health

Key points

Climate change and extreme weather are already affecting the health and well-being of people in California.
This can contribute to health problems like heat-related illnesses, heart and lung conditions, stress and anxiety.
Our programs help California communities prepare for and respond to extreme heat, smoke, drought, flooding, harmful algal blooms and other dangers related to climate change.
Some groups of people are affected more than others.

Climate change affects health

Climate change is causing rising temperatures, with more extreme heat days and cycles of intense rain or snow and drought in California. These conditions cause more flooding, wildfires, and smoke, among other problems. These changes can affect your health, including more heat-related illnesses, breathing problems from poor air quality and mental health effects from disasters.

Our current work topics

California’s diverse populations need tailored resources and tools to improve their resilience to climate change-related health impacts. Our programs strengthen the ability of California communities to prepare for and respond to climate-related dangers, including extreme heat, smoke from fires, drought, flooding and harmful algal blooms.

How climate change affects health

To see the many ways climate change affects human health, click on the image below.

Who is most affected by climate change

All people in California are affected by climate change, but some people and communities are more vulnerable. Children are among those most likely to develop long-term health problems. Because they are smaller and still developing, they are more vulnerable than adults. Climate-change-related dangers are linked to an increase in asthma, learning difficulties, and mental health challenges during childhood. This can lead to lifelong health issues.

People and communities of color facing racial and health inequities—systemic differences in racial and health status that are unfair and preventable—also tend to be those whose health is most affected by extreme weather. For example, low-income communities of color often lack resources and are located in California regions with higher chances of extreme heat, drought and other climate change-related dangers.

For more information on which groups and communities face the most threats, visit the CDPH climate change and health equity health impacts web page.