From extreme temperatures to flooding of lakes and rivers, climate change is impacting Ohioans. These conditions then influence Ohio’s air quality, drinking water and food supply, which all affect health.
The 2019 Ohio Health Issues Poll asked respondents to assess the impact of global climate change, finding that about 7 in 10 of Ohio adults (72%) believe that global warming is affecting the United States either a great deal or some. When asked about the impact of global climate change at a local level, about 6 in 10 (59%) said that global warming is affecting their local community.
OHIP is a telephone survey to measure Ohio adults’ opinions on health-related issues, and has been fielded annually since 2005. The survey is conducted by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati on behalf of Interact for Health
“Whether we realize it or not, there is a direct link between changes in weather patterns and temperature and our health,” said O’dell Moreno Owens, M.D., M.P.H., President and CEO of Interact for Health. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that public health effects of climate change can include increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature deaths. Extreme weather events, changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses and other infectious diseases can affect a person’s physical and mental health.”
OHIP also found that thoughts on climate change’s impact on health varied by political affiliation, with those who identified as Democrats being more likely than Republicans or Independents to believe that climate change has an impact on their nation and/or their community.
