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

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

Learn tips for staying cool in extreme heat

Severe storms

Tornadoes and severe storms bring heavy rains and high winds that can cause serious health risks.

Find severe storm and tornado safety tips

Winter weather

Winter storms often bring high winds, heavy snow, ice, and dangerous cold temperatures.

Learn how to prepare for cold and snow

Drought

Drought conditions can cause breathing problems from dust and particles and a decline in drinking water quality and quantity.

Learn how drought can affect your health

Floods

Learn how to prepare before a flood hits, stay safe during a flood, and clean up safely when flood waters recede.

Find tips to stay safe when floods hit

Air quality

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

Learn what to do when the air is unsafe to breathe

Infectious diseases

Higher temperatures are bringing new types of ticks and mosquitoes that spread new diseases.

Learn how to prevent tick and mosquito bites

Climate change reports

• Lancet Climate Change Countdown annual report on climate and health impacts – December 2023
• The Fifth National Climate Assessment report on climate impacts, risks, and responses – November 2023
• Achieving 100% Clean Energy in Wisconsin report (PDF) – August 2022
• Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan (PDF) – April 2022
  • Clean Energy Plan Progress Report (PDF) – May 2023
• 2021 Climate Assessment report from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts – February 2022
• Governor's Task Force on Climate Change in Wisconsin report – December 2020

Toolkits for health professionals

Toolkits are available to help health professionals provide information and resources on health risks from climate change and extreme weather to patients, clients, and communities. View more toolkits.

View more climate change and health resources for health professionals.

Contact us

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