Climate change in Vermont is resulting in hotter summers, shorter winters, and more frequent storms. These trends are expected to continue in the future. The devastation from Tropical Storm Irene, the increasing occurrence of Lyme disease, and more frequent cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms are just a few examples of how climate change can impact Vermonters’ health. While everyone’s health is affected by climate change, certain people and places are more vulnerable than others.
Taking action to minimize the impacts of climate change can improve the health of Vermonters today and in the future. The Health Department is applying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) framework to:
- Identify climate-related health risks in Vermont
- Estimate the current and future impact of these risks
- Identify populations and locations at greatest risk
- Implement actions to prevent or minimize these risks
