By Jessica Hymer, Environmental Justice Coordinator at JCPH
Climate change is not a “tomorrow” problem – it’s already impacting the health of our community. Climate change threats aren’t only about events like wildfires, mudslides or floods that make front-page news. Rising global temperatures disrupt our food systems, increase heat-related illnesses or death, worsen air pollution and much more – the impact of climate change touches every aspect of our lives as we know it. Increased wet weather cycles lead to an influx of no one’s favorite visitors: mosquitos, ticks and rodents that spread potentially deadly diseases. In 2023, 630 Coloradans tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV) and 50 died of the disease. This is the first time in five years that so many people have been affected in our state by WNV.
Technically, climate change occurs due to a build-up of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane in the air. Think of these gases like a big, warm blanket hugging the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat within our atmosphere. Although these gases do occur naturally from events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions, the largest sources of greenhouse gases are emissions from humans burning fossil fuels like gasoline, oil, coal and natural gas to operate our vehicles, heat and cool our buildings and run our industrial machinery. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases caused by human activities surpasses the Earth’s natural capacity to regulate them, impacting ecosystems and our way of life.
Climate change is not a threat that impacts all communities equally. The effects of rising global temperatures are felt most severely by communities of color, indigenous people, low-income families, children and senior citizens. This not only creates new public health challenges like heat-related illness or vector-borne disease, but it is also a consequence of residential segregation. On top of that, households who are struggling to decide whether to pay for groceries or rent in any given month likely aren’t able to invest in prevention from the impacts of climate change. Every year, the number of deaths related to extreme temperature exposure continues to climb, even among those who are housed. We cannot achieve health equity without confronting these injustices. This is why JCPH is committed to ensuring that community members most harmed by climate change will have access to resources and technologies to help them adapt and thrive.
Thankfully, several communities in our county, including Edgewater, are already actively working to adapt and enhance their resilience. The City of Edgewater has started early actions to promote environmental sustainability and community well-being. In 2010, Edgewater implemented a single-hauler recycling program. As a result, the city can now effectively monitor waste and pave the way for advancements in the recycling process and in 2019, the city implemented a Mobility Plan which has contributed to enhancing the safety and convenience for pedestrians and cyclists. Edgewater remains dedicated to improving air, water and land quality, while working to reduce greenhouse gases by increasing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable resources. The City of Edgewater and Edgewater Collective have become active partners with JCPH to address environmental justice issues in and around the city, including food waste, plastic and air pollution, among others.
Additionally, in 2022, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners approved the first Jefferson County Climate Action Plan, this plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 73% by 2035 and reduce climate risks for all people with priority to those in the community experiencing the greatest disparities. Residents can also sign up for air quality alerts with Jefferson County, this will help them know when they need to take protective actions to avoid exposure to air pollution, especially if they have asthma or other health problems. Colorado is also doing its part, in 2019, the state started the Climate Change Program, looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect everyone.
Every person also has an opportunity to help slow the effects of climate change by integrating a few changes into their daily lives:
- Try turning your heating down, even just a few degrees, to save energy.
- Switch off appliances and lights when you’re not using them.
- Try to combine trips to run errands as much as possible to avoid driving extra miles and burning extra fuel in your vehicle.
- Try public transportation as much as possible to reduce vehicle miles driven on local streets.
- Limit the use of gasoline powered tools and lawn care equipment to early morning or late in the day. Consider the purchase and use of electric or battery-powered equipment to eliminate emissions.
- You can help plant more trees: trees function as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen.
From extreme temperatures, wildfires, droughts to floods, climate change has a different impact on every one of us. Every action we take contributes to creating a healthier and thriving environment for everyone. Environmental health is Public Health, and JCPH is committed to keeping the issue front and center.
To learn more about climate change, please visit JCPH’s webpage.
About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on X (formerly Twitter) @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
I call BS