Gulf Coast's Ecological Heritage at RiskThe Gulf Statesspacer
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Confront the Challenge
• Climate in the Gulf
• The Report
• For Teachers

Discover the Solutions
• Overview
• Slow the Change
• Speed our Response

Explore the Impacts
• Overview
• Water Resources
• Sea-Level Change
• Human Perspectives

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Texas
Texas State Flower - Bluebonnet, 'Lupinus subcarnosus'
Introduction
Climate Projections
Freshwater Resources
Human Health
Coastal Development
Fisheries
Agriculture & Forestry
Tourism & Recreation
TX Resources & Links
Human Health
Human health concerns related to climate change result from a complex set of interacting human and environmental factors. These concerns are particularly serious for the elderly and other vulnerable populations (the very young, the poor, and those whose health is already compromised). Air and water quality, seafood safety, and storm-related risks are of great concern for all residents and visitors of Texas. Specific health concerns related to climate change include:

  • More heat-related illnesses and deaths. The greatest increase in the July heat index is projected for the southern United States. Cities in Texas—especially Dallas, Houston, and other major metropolitan areas—are particularly vulnerable to more heat waves. As a result, Texas is likely to see an increase in the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations.

  • Houston on a clear day vs a smoggy dayDecreased air quality. Higher temperatures lead to increased production of ground-level ozone and smog, exacerbating asthma and other respiratory diseases and making it even harder for urban areas such as Houston-Galveston to attain federal air quality standards.



  • Increased risk of disease. The risk of water-borne illnesses, such as gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases and skin, ear, or eye infections, can increase with warmer temperatures and extreme rainfall and runoff. Microorganisms associated with diseases in coastal waters, such as toxic algae, red-tide dinoflagellates, Vibrio vulnificus (a pathogen contaminating shellfish), and others, can damage habitat and shellfish nurseries and be toxic to both marine species and humans.

  • Greater demands on health resources. Incidences of disease, illness, or death are determined only in combination with human factors, such as the effectiveness of water and sewage treatment and the responsiveness of the public health system. Thus, climate-related health risks will place greater demands on public health resources.
Survey another state:
Alabama | Florida | Louisiana | Mississippi | Texas


Photo Credits:
Bluebonnet - A. Funke Taylor, www.actnowgraphics.com.
Houston - Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention.
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