How does Maryland experience climate change?

Maryland’s diverse geography from its ocean shore to the mountains of Western Maryland means we have specific vulnerabilities to climate change, such as:

• Densely populated cities experience the urban “heat island” effect

• The agricultural sector experiences growing season changes and temperature extremes

• Baltimore City experiences increased sewage overflows during and after storms.

• City centers experience increasingly severe and frequent flooding.

What causes climate change?

The main contributor to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry. Burning fossil fuels increases health hazards through climate instability and the pollution it generates.

• Pollutants like ozone and PM2.5 degrade air quality, contributing to a range of health problems.

• Residents are exposed to air pollution from nearby fossil fuel burning facilities

• The impacts of wildfire smoke from long distances

• Long-term exposure to particulate matter is a risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
  

How is climate change affecting health ?

Climate change is impacting our health here and now. Harmful effects aggravated by climate change include:

• increases in heart and lung disease

• adverse pregnancy outcomes

• heat-related illness, infectious disease

• food-borne illness, and

• mental health issues.

Additionally, access to care can be disrupted during increasingly frequent severe weather events and power outages.

Fortunately, Maryland is leading the way in climate solutions. We have the most ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in the nation (60% by 2031), Governor Moore has committed to 100% clean energy generation by 2035, new laws make solar and wind energy more available, and stronger regulations in the transportation sector will reduce fossil fuel pollution.