Promote Policies and Actions to Help Populations Most at Risk (ADP Action 2)

Target policies and actions to help prepare populations that are most at-risk from the adverse impacts of climate change and related social effects – especially the elderly, low-income, chronically ill, and families with small children. What is currently difficult for at-risk populations is likely to become even more difficult under climate change conditions. Many of these people live in the most vulnerable areas; some will have limited access to communications networks or will be non-English-speaking. Impacts may be associated with the costs and availability of commuting/transportation, energy for heating and cooling homes, "cool shelters," food and potable water, health care, and the need for relocation. The NH Division of Public Health Services and NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management should work together and participate in climate change discussions. The NH Department of Environmental Services should continue its work in the areas of public health outreach and health-related impacts deriving from changes in air quality. Public health agencies at all levels should continue to identify individuals at risk and coordinate their efforts.