The American Public Health Association (APHA) applauded the House for recently passing a comprehensive climate change bill that includes important provisions to protect the health of the public, the agency announced in a press statement.

“This bill is significant because it acknowledges that there is a direct connection between climate change and human health. It affects the air we breathe and the food available for us to eat. It affects the availability of drinking water and the spread of diseases that can make us sick.” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “We are confident that this bill will help us work to better understand and minimize the growing health threats associated with a warming climate.”

The legislation calls for developing a national strategic action plan for preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change on health. Additionally, the legislation would provide funding for research into the effects of climate change on the health of vulnerable populations, for state and local preparedness planning and for training the public health workforce to address the various regional health effects of climate change.

APHA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to ensure that public health remains a central component of any climate change legislation considered this year.