Category: Environment
Climate Crisis Is on Track to Push One-Third of Humanity Out of Its Most Livable Environment
Climate change is remapping where humans can exist on the planet. As optimum conditions shift away from the equator and toward the poles, more than 600 million people have already been stranded outside of a crucial environmental niche that scientists say best supports life. By late this century 3 to 6 billion people, or between a third and a half of humanity, could be trapped outside of that zone, facing extreme heat, food scarcity and higher death rates, unless emissions are sharply curtailed or mass migration is accommodated.
How wildfire smoke can harm human health, even when the fire is hundreds of miles away – a toxicologist explains
One concern is that smoke can suppress macrophage function in the lung, altering the immune cell’s function enough that you become more susceptible to respiratory infection.
Climate change is changing public health
In Washington, a new team of epidemiologists is preparing for a hotter, smokier future.
Washington’s homelessness challenge focus of Inslee’s State of the State address
“When there’s not enough housing for all, rents and prices skyrocket beyond what many can afford,” Inslee said. “An until we fix our housing crisis, thousands of people will remain homeless.”
Proliferating Wildfires Threaten Health Across the Country
By Matt VasilogambrosStateline As wildfires continue to burn in parts of the United States, state public health officials and experts are increasingly concerned about residents’ chronic exposure to toxin-filled smoke. This year has seen the most wildfires of the past…
How climate change will make infectious disease worse around the world
Climate change can exacerbate a full 58% of the infectious diseases that humans come in contact with worldwide, from common waterborne viruses to deadly diseases like plague,
How hot is too hot for the human body? Our lab found heat + humidity gets dangerous faster than many people realize
Heat waves are becoming supercharged as the climate changes – lasting longer, becoming more frequent and getting just plain hotter. One question a lot of people are asking is: “When will it get too hot for normal daily activity as we know it, even for young, healthy adults?”
FEELING THE HEAT? MAYBE IT’S YOUR MEDICATION.
Medications can make it harder to stay hydrated and regulate body temperature, including those for allergies and colds, thyroid, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss. Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions or medications make you more sensitive to heat.
DIY air filter fan
This simple D.I.Y. project can make the smoky days a little more bearable and safe.
Excessive heat warning issued for Seattle and King County
Cooling centers will be available across the city,
IPCC climate report: Profound changes are underway in Earth’s oceans and ice – a lead author explains what the warnings mean
Humans are unequivocally warming the planet, and that’s triggering rapid changes in the atmosphere, oceans and polar regions, and increasing extreme weather around the world, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns in a new report.
Trees: The Critical Infrastructure Low-Income Neighborhoods Lack
The wealthiest Seattle neighborhoods have 65% more tree canopy cover than the highest poverty neighborhoods.
What’s in wildfire smoke, and why is it so bad for your lungs?
As smoke travels through the air, exposure sun and interactions with other chemicals in the atmosphere can make it more toxic.
How to prepare for summer wildfire smoke
Creating a clean air space inside your home is likely your best option to get relief from wildfire smoke this season.
As States Prepare for Disasters, They Acknowledge Things Will Get Worse
In Washington state, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz is pushing for a bill to establish a dedicated account to help prevent and fight wildfires.