Climate Change
April 1-7 is National Public Health Week 2024.
Join Healthy Acadia, American Public Health Association (APHA), and community-serving organizations nationwide in celebrating the many public and private spheres working together to make individuals, families, communities, and our nation healthier, stronger, and more resilient. This year’s Public Health Week theme is, “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
Healthy Acadia is committed to collaboration and partnership across all community sectors and throughout our service area, knowing that we do our best work by building trust, listening to one another, working together, and sharing resources, knowledge, and skills. We believe that all people must have access to resources and conditions that support their best health and well-being. We are committed to continuous learning, creating opportunities, and fostering environments that enable all people to thrive. We are dedicated to addressing health disparities and inequities both within our organization and across the communities we serve.
We firmly believe that we are all contributors to public health, and we're eager to hear what this means to you. What does your Healthy Acadia look like? Share your thoughts with us!
What is your Healthy Acadia?
Every day during Public Health Week, we’re sharing an inspiring story that shines a light on a community health program or initiative aligning with APHA’s theme of the day. Today’s theme is Climate Change.
“My Healthy Acadia ensures that young people in our communities have their voices heard about issues that are important to them.”
Healthy Acadia is collaborating with JustME for JustUS (JMJU), a youth-led and rural-led nonprofit working to ensure that young people in rural Maine have a voice in climate change initiatives, to amplify the voices of rural youth in Hancock County climate action initiatives, encourage young people to advocate for their local communities, and empower action to effect positive change in the face of climate-related challenges. Through this partnership, Healthy Acadia’s Isidora “Isi” Muñoz works closely with JMJU youth in efforts to expand JMJU’s community engagement in Hancock County.
“At Healthy Acadia, we believe in the power of our youth to drive meaningful change within their communities.”
"At Healthy Acadia, we believe in the power of our youth to drive meaningful change within their communities," said Muñoz, who also serves as a Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator. "This wonderful partnership with JMJU signifies our shared commitment to amplifying the voices of young people and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change here in Downeast Maine."
Together, we are engaging in community outreach, coalition building, and climate justice organizing projects, fostering resilience, leadership, and advocacy among rural youth across Hancock County.
“My Healthy Acadia is a true community partner, investing in our people for a better tomorrow with sustainable solutions for all sorts of marginalized individuals.”
Climate Change
Climate change is an increasing threat to human health, and its impacts are felt most acutely by vulnerable communities in Downeast Maine and around the world. As temperatures rise, sea levels swell, and extreme weather events become more frequent, the health disparities among different socioeconomic groups are exacerbated. Now, more than ever, we need urgent action to mitigate the health consequences of climate change, particularly for marginalized communities.
Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change. Decades of neglect and disinvestment in these communities have left them more susceptible to environmental hazards and pollution. These populations often reside in areas with inadequate infrastructure, higher pollution levels, and limited access to healthcare services. As a result, they face higher rates of respiratory illnesses, heat-related illnesses, and other health conditions exacerbated by climate change.
Heat pumps can efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home year round.
Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires swift and collaborative action. Solutions must be community-driven, recognizing that those most affected are often the best equipped to identify and implement effective strategies. It's imperative to involve these communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Here are some actionable steps that communities can take to adapt and build resilience in the face of climate impacts:
Promote Green Infrastructure: Advocate for the implementation of green infrastructure projects, such as community green spaces, tree planting initiatives, and sustainable drainage systems. These measures can help reduce air pollution and enhance community well-being.
Support Sustainable Transportation: Encourage cycling, walking, the use of public transportation (where available), and carpooling as eco-friendly alternatives to driving solo. By reducing the use of fossil fuels, communities can lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, benefiting public health.
Increase Access to Healthcare Services: Advocate for equitable access to health and wellness services, particularly in underserved communities. This includes supporting the expansion of healthcare facilities and services in areas most affected by climate change.
Promote Energy Efficiency: Encourage energy-efficient practices at the individual and community levels. This may involve upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation in homes, and promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Foster Community Resilience: Build community resilience through education, training, and preparedness initiatives. Empower individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to climate-related emergencies and disasters.
Advocate for Environmental Justice: Support policies and initiatives that promote environmental justice and address the root causes of environmental inequities. This includes advocating for stricter regulations on pollution, equitable distribution of resources, and meaningful community engagement in decision-making processes.
Promote Sustainable Food Systems: Encourage the adoption of sustainable food practices, such as supporting local agriculture, reducing food waste, and promoting more plant-based diets. Sustainable food systems not only benefit the environment but also promote better health outcomes.
Build Strong Social Networks: Foster strong social networks and community cohesion to support community members during times of crisis. By working together and supporting one another, communities can better withstand the impacts of climate change and other challenges.
Mitigating the health impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes equity, community engagement, and sustainable solutions. By taking proactive steps to adapt and build resilience, individuals and communities can better protect their health and well-being in the face of a changing climate. Now is the time to act, and together, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for all.
Read American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week 2024 article regarding Climate Change: In English, or/o En Español.
What can YOU do?
Learn about Maine Won’t Wait, our state’s four-year climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure a strong future for our people and economy. The plan is packed with actionable strategies and goals to emit less carbon, produce energy from renewable sources and protect our natural resources, communities, and people from the effects of climate change. Visit https://www.maine.gov/climateplan/ to learn more.
Get involved in local organizations, community groups, or initiatives focused on climate resilience and adaptation, such as disaster preparedness teams, community gardens, tree planting campaigns, and neighborhood clean-up efforts.
Become a climate for health ambassador. Take the new APHA-specific Climate for Health Ambassadors training for free and earn three CE credits (In partnership with ecoAmerica). This free online training is designed to build your climate and health knowledge. Learn how to communicate and encourage action on climate, health, and equity. Find out more on how you can get involved at APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity.
Why is building resiliency in the face of climate change important to you?
Community volunteers with Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Gleaning Initiative rescue tens of thousands of pounds of fresh food each year from local farms and gardens that would otherwise go to waste. The produces is distributed to food security programs across Hancock and Washington counties.
Let’s Build Healthier Communities Together!
We invite you to come together with us to build public health for everyone. You can make a difference by volunteering your time, making an in-kind or financial gift today, reaching out to talk over ideas, or considering a planned gift.
Donate online. Make a one-time gift, join our Sunrise Monthly Giving Circle, and/or donate in honor of a loved one.
Mail a check to Healthy Acadia, P.O. Box 1710, Ellsworth, ME 04605.
There are so many ways for you to get involved!
For more ways to give, click here or contact Shoshona Smith at Development@HealthyAcadia.org or (207) 667-7171 Ext. 210.