Extreme Heat
What percentage of US counties have a heat response plan?
40%
How might climate change be impacting agriculture (and food security?)
Drought, shifting agricultural seasons, less available produce or nutrient-poor produce, more pesticides to reduce herbivory
The federal government is trying to remove this legal protection against pollution under the Clean Air Act
The Endangerment Finding
This phenomenon refers to cities being hotter than rural areas
Urban Heat Island Effect
Extreme heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US
True
>21,000 deaths between 1999 and 2023
(Mellen, 2024)
What temperature/time defines extreme heat?
>90 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 days or more
How can changes in precipitation and temp impact vector-borne illnesses and disease?
Temp and precip changes expand the geographic range and viability of ticks and mosquitoes
Only this number of states currently mandate heat protections for outdoor workers.
8 states
Intensity of health impacts from climate change is mainly determined by what?
Vulnerability of a community
Extent of adaptation
Younger generations carry a higher burden with the effects of climate change compared to older generations
True
(Heinz and Brandt, 2024)
In the New England HI Study, a day with a HI of 95F compared to 75F was associated with approximately what percent increase in cumulative emergency department visits?
About 7.5% increase
How does climate change impact air quality in Vermont?
Increased allergenic pollen, wildfire smoke, and air pollution
Towns/cities can enact this when they want to protect workers from heat but the state hasn't passed any policy
heat-protection ordinance
After a catastrophic flooding event, a home is left with mold. The family develops respiratory issues. Would these be more effectively mitigated in an urban center or rural community?
Urban center
Extreme Cold Weather Shelters in Vermont are required to open when the temp drops to 0 degrees or below
False
They are required to open at -10 degrees, but may choose to open at 0
What region of the US is experiencing the most temp increase in the summers?
The Northeast
What are the secondary impacts of flooding?
Water contamination, property/infrastructure damage, agricultural impacts, more habitats for disease-spreading insects
Vermont's Climate Superfund Act of 2024 does what?
Imposes a fee on fossil fuel companies for emissions between 1995-2024. Money goes back to the state for damages. (VT Digger 2025)
(if they emitted >1 billion metric tons of carbon)
The VT Digger article says that deaths from the cold are not just a "temperature" issue. What is another social determinant that impacts cold weather deaths?
Housing Instability, Social Integration, Quality and Availability of Healthcare
There is no heat island effect in rural communities, so they are not vulnerable to extreme heat
False
(ex. Maine has less AC users than the rest of New England)