Midwest

Projected climate impacts for Michigan, including extreme heat events, extreme precipitation events leading to flooding, and extreme weather events (e.g., freezing rain, heavy snow), pose a significant threat to public health. In particular, five priority climate-related health outcomes have been identified: heat-related illnesses, air quality and respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, and injuries related to extreme weather events (e.g., carbon monoxide poisoning, injury).

Neither the State of Missouri nor the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services has a climate action or adaptation plan. Activities underway at the health department are focused primarily on monitoring, surveillance, and public outreach. In addition, the State Emergency Management Agency, City of St. Louis, and Jackson County have taken steps to address climate change impacts on public health and safety. The Missouri State Medical Association also recently passed a resolution to support and actively lobby the State Legislature for a comprehensive climate change policy.

Projected climate impacts for Wisconsin, including increased flooding and precipitation, extreme temperatures (hot and cold), and drought, among others, can affect mental health and lead to increased disease and illness. With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) is helping local health departments and others prepare for and respond to climate-related public health impacts.

The State of Ohio does not have a state climate adaptation plan or an official Department of Health climate action plan. However, there are efforts underway to address the public health impacts of climate change in some city and county plans as well as efforts across nongovernmental organizations in the region.

The state of Iowa does not have a formal state climate action plan, however there are efforts within the state to address the impacts of climate change on public health, the environment, and communities. These efforts primarily focus on identifying climate change impacts, acquiring data and monitoring changes, and public outreach and education. The Iowa Department of Public Health tracks public health data on climate and environmental factors. In addition, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified major public health risks due to climate change impacts for the state.

Climate change impacts, including increases in extreme events such as flooding, heat waves, and drought, have already affected Illinois and are projected to continue. These kinds of extreme events can lead to health problems such as heat-related illnesses, asthma, vector- and water-borne diseases, and mental health issues.