Climate and Health

The Climate and Health Program studies how climate change harms people's health in Wisconsin and develops ways to reduce those health impacts with local partners. We also use our research to create strategies, tools, and trainings to help communities adapt to climate change and protect the health and well-being of all Wisconsinites.

Learn more about the link between climate change and health risks, health and safety tips, and the work we do.

Extreme heat

Sky at sunset

Warm temperatures combined with high humidity can cause heat-related illness and death.

Severe storms

A strong lightning bolt

Tornadoes and severe storms bring heavy rains and high winds that can cause serious health risks.

Winter weather

A person cleans the sidewalk with a snow shovel

Winter storms often bring high winds, heavy snow, ice, and dangerous cold temperatures.

Drought

Soil showing stress from being dry with corn roots turning brown.

Drought conditions can cause breathing problems from dust and particles and a decline in drinking water quality and quantity.

Floods

A flooded road in the country.

Learn how to prepare before a flood hits, stay safe during a flood, and clean up safely when flood waters recede.

Air quality

Green fields with a dirt road under a blue sky with fluffy clouds

Breathing polluted air can cause health problems ranging from watery eyes and cough, to asthma, heart attacks and stroke.

Infectious diseases

A tick on underside leaf.

Higher temperatures are bringing new types of ticks and mosquitoes that spread new diseases.

Climate change reports

Toolkits for health professionals

Toolkits are available to help health professionals provide information and resources on health risks from climate change and extreme weather to patients, clients, and communities. View more toolkits.

View more climate change and health resources for health professionals.


Contact us

For more information, email DHSClimate@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call us at 608-266-1120.

Glossary

 
Last revised July 29, 2024