Advocating for

Environmental Health and Climate Resilience

Policy solutions are needed to respond to the impending climate crisis and other environmental health issues. Information, data points, policies, and resources on this page were curated to help advocates learn and take action on environmental health and climate policy.

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MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Environmental Health & the Climate

Infectious Diseases & Vaccination

Maternal & Infant Health

Nutrition & Food Security

Substance Use Prevention

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Exposure to environmental and climate hazards threatens the public’s health and safety.

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Heat-related illnesses, air quality-related respiratory issues, and water-borne, food-borne, and pest-related disease outbreaks are increasing in incidence and severity.

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Low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental and climate hazards, and have fewer resources for mitigation and adaptation.

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Urgent action is needed to address environmental and climate health disparities.

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Learn more about Environmental Health and Climate Resilience

Data to Power Your Advocacy

We can transform our policies, systems, and environments to address the root causes of the climate crisis and build healthy, resilient communities. Below are policy aims and example policies and programs to advance population health and climate justice.

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Promote Renewable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and improves air quality.

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Advance Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use

Promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and land use supports carbon sequestration and reduces emissions.

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Increase Energy Efficiency Standards

Enhancing energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances lowers energy consumption and emissions, leading to environmental and economic benefits.

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Leverage Transportation Policies

Reducing transportation emissions improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases through investment in cleaner transportation options.

The Time To Invest in Public Transportation Is Now

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that are driving the global climate crisis. Governments at all levels engage with transportation policy, and have the opportunity to take action on policy solutions to expand public transportation access. Beyond environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation, policies to expand public transportation stand to improve reliable transportation broadly, and address equity gaps in transportation experienced by people with disabilities, low income people, and transit-dependent populations. Public transportation is a systems-level solution to multiple public health priorities. The time to act and invest is now.

ADVANCING FEDERAL POLICIES

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act addressed critical infrastructure needs while incorporating clean energy and climate resilience goals. Key initiatives include:

Allocated significant funding for clean energy projects, climate resilience infrastructure, and modernizing the power grid.

Supported initiatives to bolster community preparedness for climate impacts

American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) , passed in March 2021, included investments in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Key elements include:

Allocated $50 million in Environmental Justice (EJ) funding to address disproportionate environmental and public health harms in underserved communities to the EPA

Environmental Protection Agency allocated $50 million in supporting community programs enhancing access to clean water and air in underserved areas.

Learn and Act with Community Commons

Policies and information contained in this module are based on the Public Health Policy Information Sheet which was prepared by WE Public Health, LLC for the American Public Health Association and Public Health AmeriCorps.