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Climate Change Impacts
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Climate Change and Human Health: Who’s Most at Risk?

Child using a rescue inhaler.
Climate change will impact people’s health and well-being unequally. For example, asthma is more common among some communities of color than the general population.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most recent national asthma data.

All Americans face possible health impacts from climate change. However, certain groups are at more risk than others due to both climate and non-climate factors. For example, people living on floodplains, coastlines, or in areas prone to severe storms are more vulnerable to extreme weather. Those living in poverty may be less able to prepare for or respond to extreme events. As a result, these individuals are expected to have greater impacts from climate-related hazards.

Explore the topics below to learn more about vulnerable life stages and populations, and actions people can take to reduce climate-related health impacts.

View who's most at risk:

At risk groups
  • Children
  • Socially Vulnerable People
  • Indigenous Populations
  • Older Adults
  • People with Chronic Medical Conditions
  • People with Disabilities
  • Workers
  • Pregnant, Breastfeeding, and Postpartum Women
Social Vulnerability Report

EPA’s 2021 Social Vulnerability Report examines the health impacts of air quality and extreme temperature on four socially vulnerable populations. It also analyzes the impacts of high temperature days on workers.

  • Climate Change Impacts Home
  • Impacts by Sector
  • Human Health
    • What Can We Do?
    • Who's Most at Risk?
      • Children
      • Socially Vulnerable People
      • Indigenous Populations
      • Older Adults
      • People with Chronic Medical Conditions
      • People with Disabilities
      • Workers
      • Pregnant, Breastfeeding, and Postpartum Women
  • State and Regional Impacts
  • Climate Equity
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on December 13, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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