Climate and Health

The Climate and Health Program studies how climate change harms people's health in Wisconsin and develops ways to reduce those health impacts with local partners. We also use our research to create strategies, tools, and trainings to help communities adapt to climate change and protect the health and well-being of all Wisconsinites.

Learn more about the link between climate change and health risks, health and safety tips, and the work we do.

Extreme heat

Sky at sunset

Warm temperatures combined with high humidity can cause heat-related illness and death.

Severe storms

A strong lightning bolt

Heavy rains and high winds from tornadoes and severe storms can cause serious health risks.

Winter weather

A person clears the sidewalk with a snow shovel

Winter storms often bring heavy snow, ice, extreme cold, and high winds that can harm your health.

Drought

Soil showing stress from being dry with corn roots turning brown.

Dust and particles in the air can cause breathing issues, food insecurity, and a decline in water quality and quantity for drinking, recreation, and industry.

Floods

A flooded road in the country.

Know how to prepare before a flood hits, stay safe during a flood, and clean up safely when flood waters recede to protect your health.

Outdoor air quality

Green fields with a dirt road under a blue sky with fluffy clouds

Breathing polluted air can cause health problems ranging from watery eyes and cough, to asthma attacks, heart attacks, and stroke.

Infectious diseases

A tick on underside leaf.

Higher temperatures and more precipitation are bringing new types of ticks and mosquitoes to Wisconsin, spreading new diseases.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Higher temperatures, heavier rainfall, shorter winters, and longer growing seasons from climate change fuel more algal blooms.

Summer health hazards data

A magnifying glass over "data".

A dashboard shows near real-time data for boating injuries, drownings, heat illnesses, and respiratory illnesses from air pollution.

Resources for health and climate professionals

Tools are available to help health, climate and emergency response professionals support and inform patients, clients, and communities.


Contact us

For more information, email DHSClimate@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call us at 608-266-1120.

Glossary

 
Last revised June 25, 2025