Climate and Health


What you need to know about climate change and health

Climate change in Vermont is resulting in hotter summers, shorter winters and more frequent storms. These trends are expected to continue in the future. The devastation from Tropical Storm Irene, the increasing occurrence of Lyme disease, and more frequent cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms are just a few examples of how climate change can impact Vermonters’ health. While everyone’s health is affected by climate change, certain people and places are more vulnerable than others.

Responding to climate change will benefit human health now.

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Climate Change and Mental Health

There are ways to cope with the stress of climate change.

Because the many impacts of climate change affect individual and community quality-of-life, it is not surprising that climate change is also resulting in stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental, emotional, and social impacts. Taking productive action, being part of a support network and expanding your knowledge can all help us to cope. 

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Blue-green Algae

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally found in fresh water in the U.S. and in Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters. They can release toxins into the water. Cyanobacteria can multiply quickly to form surface scums and dense populations known as blooms, especially during the warm days of late summer and early fall. In recent years, cyanobacteria blooms have occurred most often in northern sections of Lake Champlain — such as St. Albans Bay and Mississquoi Bay.

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Additional Climate Change Resources
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Climate Change and Infectious Diseases
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Vermont Climate and Health Profile Report
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Community Resilience Organizations
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Find out about your own carbon footprint!

Your “carbon footprint” is the estimate of the effect that your day-to-day activities have on the climate—the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your daily activities. Estimate your carbon footprint using the EPA Carbon Footprint Calculator.