Is Climate Change Impacting Public Health in Maine?

You asked: How is climate change impacting the health of Maine residents? Is there evidence to suggest that climate variability is negatively impacting the health of Maine residents?

Based on findings from the Maine Climate Council’s 2024 Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and Its Effects in Maine (https://www.maine.gov/future/sites/maine.gov.future/files/inline-files/STS_2024_digital.pdf) and resources from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/climate-and-health), there is clear evidence that climate-related changes are affecting, and are expected to continue impacting, public health in Maine.

According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (https://gmri.org/stories/gulf-maine-explained-warming-gulf-maine), NOAA (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/study-finds-fast-warming-gulf-maine-region), and many scientific research institutions around the world, the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the rest of the world's oceans, a trend that has sharply accelerated over just the last decade.  

Scientific monitoring confirms that Maine has also experienced warmer average temperatures, longer warm seasons, more intense precipitation events, and rising sea levels. Detailed climate data/data trends specific to Maine can be accessed through the Maine Climate Office website: https://mco.umaine.edu/agriculture/drought.php.

While Maine has historically been a (comparatively) cooler state, rising temperatures and more frequent hot days are increasing the risk of heat-related health issues, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heightened cardiovascular strain, particularly for older adults, young children, people with chronic conditions, and those with limited resources.

Longer warm seasons contribute to expanded tick activity. Maine continues to report increasingly higher rates of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Warmer conditions can also influence mosquito populations.

Longer pollen seasons and increased ground-level ozone can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Heavy rainfall and storm events can result in injuries, water contamination, mold exposure, disruption of medical care, and mental health stress. It can also negatively impact housing security and disrupt education and employment.

Climate variability, not just long-term warming trends, also plays a role. Year-to-year changes in temperature and precipitation can influence allergen levels, vector activity, and the frequency of severe weather events, which in turn affect health outcomes.

While exact projections vary, the direction of the evidence is consistent: climate-related changes increase certain health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, people with chronic illness, outdoor workers, and households with limited resources.

In addition to tracking health trends, public health agencies and partner organizations are focused on preparedness and resilience. The Maine Public Health Association offers climate resilience materials tailored for Maine communities, in multiple languages, including guidance on:

  • Staying safe during extreme heat

  • Health impacts of climate change

  • Flood preparedness and recovery

  • Responding to air quality alerts

  • Tick and mosquito prevention

  • Dealing with drought conditions

You can view and download these resources here: https://www.mainepublichealth.org/news/climate-resilience-materials.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection also maintains a statewide adaptation toolkit with planning resources for municipalities and public health professionals. You can find that here: https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/climate/adaptation-toolkit.html

The scientific consensus reflected in state assessments indicates that climate change and climate variability are influencing environmental conditions in Maine in ways that have measurable and emerging public health implications. Continued monitoring, preparedness planning, and community education are all essential to reducing risk and protecting the health of our communities.

We remain committed to sharing accurate, evidence-based information and resources, and to supporting practical, community-centered strategies that promote resilience across Maine.

Have a Public Health Question? We’re Here to Help.

In a time when misinformation spreads quickly, getting reliable health information matters more than ever. As your local community health organization, Healthy Acadia is here to help you find trustworthy answers.

If you have questions about routine health screenings, such as how to protect yourself and your family from severe respiratory illness, vaccines, or any other current health concerns, we invite you to send them our way. We'll do our best to reply to every question and offer evidence-based, up-to-date guidance, along with links to vetted health resources.

Each month, we’ll highlight a selection of community questions (names withheld) and answers in our biweekly e-newsletter. Subscribe to receive our newsletter directly to your email inbox, or view recent editions here.

POSTTracey CarlsonHPM, HA, HE, SB, climate change, climate resilience, public health, extreme heat