Heat rise, severe weather, and sea level rise all threaten the public health of Cambridge residents in different ways. The risks imposed by heat rise range from increased disease spread to higher concentrations of pollutants in the air to the direct dangers of high temperatures on human health. Sea level rise induces inland flood threats and storm surge, both of which affect not only coastal Cambridge but also those living at lower elevations throughout the city; this particularly endangers the safety of those relying on residential infrastructure unprepared for withstanding extreme climate conditions. Severe weather threatens the disaster preparedness of the city, threatening situations where dependable energy may not be available during emergencies, particularly for lower-income residents. Energy loss, structural damage, and long-term isolation from professional assistance and resources threatens a wide range of financial, social, and geographic backgrounds, especially in an urban region such as Cambridge. Residents must be prepared for the periods of extreme climate and resulting energy blackouts and resource scarcities. Public health faces considerable risks from every identified climate threat, and therefore prompts substantial solutions to protect human lives. Heat rise especially threatens more at-risk community members, including but not limited to individuals characterized as elderly, ill, disabled, or residents of low-income areas which may be devoid of proper cooling systems.
Detailed plans for the solutions addressing risks to the affected area of Public Health are listed below.
Adapting to Increasing Spread of Disease Efficient Emergency Transportation Plans Emergency Planning Education Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems Green Space Heat Wave Response Renewables