Oral

The purpose of this session is to discuss specific public health impacts that are associated with climate change and water while providing recommendations and methodology to reduce future risk. Global climate change is one of the most serious threats on human and environmental systems in the 21st Century and much of the projected impacts relate to water. Global climate change is likely to change precipitation patterns and increase the intensity of tropical storms. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that due to global warming sea levels are predicted to rise 1 to 3 feet over the next 100 years. The combined predicted result is more intense flooding from hurricanes, as well as saltwater intrusion and associated coastal degradation. Therefore, the risk both to human systems and the environment increases every year as the climate continues to change. This can affect water resource managers by changing the volume and quality of water supply sources in addition to jeopardizing the physical infrastructure that protects public health and the environment. Furthermore, little is known about the affects of global climate change on the water quality parameters that affect public health and the environment such as emerging/reemerging water born diseases, toxins, and algal blooms.

Session Objectives: Identify public health risks associated with climate change and exposure to contaminated water. Describe actions to reduce public health risk associated with climate change and water. Define science and resource needs to optimize planning and decision making in regards to climate change, public health and water.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)