New Report Highlights the Effect of Minnesota Climate Change on Residents’ Health

Bradley Carlin

Many Minnesotans have taken note of warmer temperatures and higher precipitation amounts over the last several years. These are the effects of global warming caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions over the last several decades. Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health has been researching the health effects that these changes have on residents here in Minnesota, and has published a report detailing some of the more pressing concerns.

The health problems attributable to higher temperatures and increased precipitation brought on by global warming come in many different forms, and affect our state’s residents both directly and indirectly. For instance, rising temperatures have led to an extended summer season, with higher temperature spikes that can lead to more cases of heat stroke and exhaustion. On the precipitation side, more erratic rainfall amounts are leading to water supply issues, ranging from lack of water during droughts to water quality concerns during floods and overflows.

Outside of these direct effects on Minnesotans, global warming’s effects on other animals and ecosystems are having indirect effects on our state’s residents. Longer and wetter growing seasons extend the threat of pollen-induced allergies and illnesses. Furthermore, the milder temperatures also play a role in the spread of insect and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

You can view the full report on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.

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