Warming of the Earth is unequivocal, and the influence of humans is evident from the increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Climate change poses an immediate and growing threat to California’s environment, public health and economic vitality.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to the change in measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time, such as changes in temperature, and precipitation. Climate is influenced by its own internal dynamics, and by changes in external factors, both natural and human–induced. Solar radiation and volcanic eruptions are natural factors, while changes in the composition of the atmosphere resulting from greenhouse gases or aerosols are human-induced factors.
Indicators of Climate Change in California
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment researches and presents indicators in periodic reports describing how California’s climate is changing and how these changes are affecting the state. Indicators are scientifically-based measurements that track trends in various aspects of climate change.
Human Health Impacts of Climate Change
OEHHA focuses on human health studies relating increased temperatures to adverse health outcomes such as death and illness including hospital visits, emergency room visits, and birth defects. OEHHA has contributed to the growing body of literature linking deleterious health effects to increasing temperatures and heat waves. These studies have helped identify groups who are vulnerable to heat-related mortality and illness.
Annotated Bibliography: Recent Research on Climate Change in California
OEHHA has compiled information relevant to climate change and its impacts in an annotated bibliography with an emphasis on California. This annotated bibliography is intended as a source of current and emerging scientific information on climate change for environmental and public health agencies, the research community, non-government organizations, and the public.
Reports, Notices, Documents
The report presents 36 indicators that show how climate change is affecting California. The report is intended to promote scientific analysis to inform decision-making on mitigating and adapting to climate change and to serve as a resource for decision makers, scientists, educators, and the public.
Report covers temperature, wildfires, drought, Sierra Nevada snowmelt, species migration, shifting ranges of many species of California plants and animals.
OEHHA compiles environmental indicators tracking the impacts of climate change in California, which are already occurring.
A compilation of selected publications presenting observations and new or emerging scientific information on climate change.
Research conducted by OEHHA on relationships between climate change and human health
OEHHA convened a workshop to improve upon and explore new metrics for tracking climate change and its impacts on California’s water resources, oceans, fish and wildlife, forests, agriculture, and the health and well-being of the state’s residents.
In 2015, OEHHA hosted is annual Children's Environmental Health Symposium, this time focusing on the impacts of climate change on children's health.
"Indicators of Climate Change in California," a 2013 report presenting 36 indicators tracking trends in atmospheric gases that influence climate, changes in the state's climate, and the impacts of climate change on California's environment and people.
Indicators of Environmental Justice Impacts of Climate Change in California