Public Health Assessment of Climate and Water Changes on Immigrants

This presentation will consist of three parts: 1.an overview of the relationship between climate change and public health, 2, a discussion about “environmental refugees” and the law, and 3.the development of a longitudinal public health assessment instrument to look at public health issues for immigrants.

Climate change that has resulted in increased water (floods, hurricanes, rising water levels, and forced changes in agricultural production) or decreased water (droughts, desertification, and greater distances needed to secure potable water) has contributed to famine, malnutrition, and diseases in developing countries. These public health crises have led to displacement and forced migration of over 115 million people around the world (IPCC report, 2007, AJPH, 2008). The legal status of these “environmental refugees” and the relationship between public health and law will be addressed.

The presentation will conclude with an introduction to a newly developed longitudinal public health assessment instrument that builds upon Drachman (2004)three stage model of immigration. First, the environmental conditions in countries of origin and the “push” factors (Lee, 1966) affecting emigration decisions will be identified. What public health challenges do immigrants encounter – water shortages, economic hardships, malnutrition, hunger, and diseases in their homelands? Second, transit experiences both internal and international will be explored. Finally, what happens after arrival in the United States? Do immigrants experience more acute or chronic diseases in a colder climate? Examples that illustrate the use of this public health assessment instrument will be presented.