Barriers and opportunities in communicating about the intersection of health, climate change and equity

Abstract

The toll of climate change continues to increase with each passing month and the evidence showing climate change harms our health grows. The evidence is clear that while many are at greater risk (e.g., due to age, health status, the types of jobs they work, etc.), people of color, those with low incomes, and those living in rural areas—or some combination of these three factors—are often at the most risk of climate change's harms. The research described in this commentary was designed to better understand how the public understands health inequities that are caused or magnified by climate change, learn about barriers to recognition of this reality, and identify strategies to help people accept and incorporate this evidence.

Keywords

• Climate change
• Health equity
• Communication research
• Message research
• Health
• Racial equity