Environmental Health Assisting communities to adapt to climate change is a challenge we face. 1. Pick a community near you and determine what climate change impacts they may face. 2. What vulnerabilities they may have. Remember to consider especially vulnerable populations within those communities and identify their specific challenges. (Websites such as CDC’s Climate and Health or EPA’s Climate Change Adaption Resource Center might be helpful.) 200 words APA format 2 references 2 citations
Adapting to climate change is a critical challenge for communities across the globe. The impacts of climate change vary depending on geographical location, and it is essential to assess and understand the potential effects on local communities. In this assignment, I have chosen to focus on the community of Miami, Florida, and will discuss the climate change impacts they may face, along with their vulnerabilities, particularly considering the challenges faced by vulnerable populations within the community.
Miami, located in southeastern Florida, is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to its low-lying geographical features and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Biscayne Bay. One of the most significant climate change impacts for Miami is sea-level rise. With an average elevation of just six feet above sea level, Miami is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding events and storm surges associated with more frequent and intense hurricanes due to climate change (EPA, 2021). Studies predict that by 2030, even under conservative estimates, the sea level in Miami could rise by 0.5 to 1.5 feet (Orr et al., 2008). These rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the community’s infrastructure, including residential areas, transportation systems, and critical facilities such as hospitals and schools.
In addition to sea-level rise, increased temperatures and heatwaves are another climate change impact that Miami is likely to face. Extreme heat events can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions (CDC, 2021). According to the EPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center, Miami is already experiencing an increase in the number of days with extreme heat, and this trend is expected to continue with climate change (EPA, 2021). The combination of high temperatures and humidity also exacerbates the urban heat island effect, making Miami even hotter and more challenging to cool down. This issue is of particular concern for vulnerable populations, who may have limited access to air conditioning or live in areas with inadequate green spaces to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.
In terms of vulnerabilities, Miami’s socio-economic factors play a significant role. Miami has a high poverty rate, with approximately 26% of the population living below the poverty line (United States Census Bureau, 2021). Socio-economic disparities can amplify the vulnerabilities faced by low-income communities, limiting their capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change. For example, low-income households may lack financial resources to invest in adaptive measures, such as flood-resistant infrastructure or alternative energy sources. In addition, these communities may face challenges in accessing healthcare services and information regarding climate change and health impacts.
Furthermore, certain populations within Miami are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. One such group is the elderly population, who may have limited mobility and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Another vulnerable population is the immigrant communities, who may face language barriers and have limited access to resources and information. These challenges can make it more difficult for them to understand and respond to the health risks associated with climate change. Additionally, communities of color in Miami are often disproportionately affected by climate change impacts due to historic patterns of segregation and economic disparities.
In conclusion, the community of Miami, Florida, faces several climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and increased temperatures. Vulnerable populations within the community, such as the elderly, low-income households, immigrant communities, and communities of color, are especially susceptible to these impacts. Understanding and addressing the specific challenges faced by these populations is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies. By considering the unique vulnerabilities of different communities, policymakers and public health practitioners can work towards creating climate-resilient communities in Miami and beyond.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Climate and Health. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.htm
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center. Retrieved from
https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/index.xhtml
Orr, J.C., Stein, K., Fletcher, T., & Douglas, B.C. (2008). Assessing risks of climate change and sea-level rise: Methods for drawing robust coastal adaptation boundaries. Coastal Management, 36(4), 407-431.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). QuickFacts: Miami city, Florida. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/miamicityflorida