U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have awarded $250,000 to the State of Maryland to address and prepare for health impacts associated with climate change.
"Climate change is happening at an alarming rate and we can no longer ignore the adverse effects it will have on the environment and the health of our citizens," said Congressman Sarbanes. "As air quality deteriorates and temperatures rise, this funding from the CDC will help protect vulnerable populations from increased respiratory illnesses and threats to their cardiovascular health."
The funding has been awarded through the CDC's Climate-Ready States & Cities Initiative, which is part of the agency's Climate Change Program. Scientists have recognized that climate change is inevitable and that its impact will likely have demonstrable effects on the health of Americans. The program seeks to identify populations who will be most vulnerable to these effects, such as young children and senior citizens, and formulate solutions to mitigate them.
In addition to rising global temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions, Maryland is one of the three areas most vulnerable to sea level rise. State and local health agencies will use the CDC funding to ascertain how these environmental changes will progress and how they will impact the health of people in Maryland.