Climate and Human Health

Climate is significant to the health of the American people. Temperatures and the frequency of heavy rain and snow have been increasing in the United States (see map). The changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as other changes, such as more intense severe weather and rising sea levels, may have effects on people’s environments that may, in turn, harm their health and well-being. The NIEHS Climate and Human Health Program leads and coordinates the institute and NIH efforts to better understand how climate may affect people’s health.