Climate change is a global public health problem, with serious health impacts predicted to manifest in varying ways in different parts of the world. Together with other natural and human-made health stressors, climate change will negatively influence human health and disease, regardless of whether prevention and adaption efforts are undertaken. In the context of an aging population and strong income disparities—absent strong investments in prevention, societal adaptation, and infrastructure improvements—existing health threats are likely to intensify and new threats will emerge. However, public health action can do much to protect people from the negative health aspects of climate change. Effective public communication can be used to alert, engage, and empower the public to respond to climate [Page 186]change and to participate in efforts to mitigate ...