As a result of climate change, extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall and storms are occurring more frequently and becoming more dangerous — increasing the risk of illness, injury or death. Changes in average temperature and rainfall also affect ecological systems and impact human health, such as increasing the spread of mosquitoes and the risk of food- and water-borne illness.
Climate change impacts health in NYC particularly through:
Climate change and extreme weather can pose the greatest risks to older adults, young children and people with physical or mental illnesses or disabilities. Communities in our city that have been historically deprived of public resources are also at greater risk from the health and economic threats from climate change. In NYC, these are often low-income communities of color.
You can find out how climate risks and health impacts differ among NYC neighborhoods on the NYC Health Department's Environment and Health Data Portal.
Addressing the health impacts of climate change is one of the NYC Health Department's strategic priorities (PDF).
Follow these steps to help protect yourself and your family:
Join fellow New Yorkers in actions to address climate change:
NYC provides services to help residents reduce their climate impacts. By participating in these programs, we have collective impact, and by using these programs we can show their importance.
The articles listed below examine climate and health in New York City. They were co-written by Health Department staff. Most were published in peer-reviewed journals to help scientists, policy makers and other professionals better understand our climate, weather and health risks.
Articles by Topic