Climate change is increasing communities’ exposure to extreme heat, intense hurricanes, flooding, and other hazards that threaten public health. But not all communities or people bear these risks equally. Those who face economic hardship, environmental burdens, chronic health challenges, and limited health care capacity are more vulnerable to climate-related health effects and have fewer resources to prepare for and recover from disasters.

This project examines how climate hazards affect health outcomes in overburdened communities across the Gulf Coast. It combines health-services data, climate science, community-engaged research, and scenario planning to better understand the relationship between extreme weather events and health. As part of our work, we have developed tools to help local leaders prepare for future risks.

What We’re Doing

This project advances climate and health planning through five interconnected activities:

1. identifying and mapping overburdened communities in Gulf Coast states
2. analyzing how extreme weather events affect emergency department use, hospitalizations, and other health outcomes
3. conducting qualitative research with community stakeholders to understand local experiences and needs
4. modeling how climate change may alter future health risks under different warming scenarios
5. developing public-facing data and scenario-planning tools to support local adaptation and public health decisionmaking

Why This Matters

Policymakers, health systems, and emergency managers need information about the health consequences of climate hazards. How extreme events affect people with chronic conditions, strain health care systems, and increase demand for services are all vital indicators of a health system’s preparedness for disasters.

By connecting health data with climate projections, this project provides actionable evidence that communities can use to prepare for future conditions and protect residents’ health and well-being.