New State Scorecard Highlights Preparedness for Climate-Related Health Threats

A comprehensive new report by the Commonwealth Fund provides the first detailed ranking of U.S. states based on their readiness to handle climate-related health risks. The analysis evaluated all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., considering factors such as extreme heat, flooding, air quality, and existing policies to mitigate these threats. Vermont emerged as the most prepared state, demonstrating strong resilience and low health risk, whereas West Virginia ranked the lowest in climate health readiness.

The report reveals notable regional patterns, with northeastern states and those in the Pacific Northwest generally scoring higher in preparedness, while numerous southern and southwestern states showed significant vulnerabilities. For instance, southwestern states like Arizona and New Mexico face heightened risks from extreme heat, whereas coastal states including Florida and Louisiana have substantial flood-related vulnerabilities. Alarmingly, Florida has the highest percentage of hospital beds—nearly 15%—located in high-risk flood zones.

The escalating frequency and severity of weather disasters, including 27 major weather and climate events in 2024 with damages exceeding $1 billion each, underscore the urgent need for improved resilience. These events contributed to significant fatalities, making 2024 the eighth deadliest year in recent history for climate-related deaths. Experts emphasize that preparedness, such as resilient health infrastructure and clean energy policies, is crucial. Commonwealth Fund President Joseph Betancourt highlighted the importance of providing clean air and robust healthcare facilities to safeguard communities.

The study recommends four main strategies to enhance climate health resilience: bolstering clean energy and energy efficiency policies; supporting healthcare facilities in preparing for extreme weather; standardizing reporting of healthcare sector emissions; and investing in resilient infrastructure, clean power, and low-emission transportation. These steps aim to reduce health impacts and ensure that states are better equipped for future climate challenges.

For more insights, resources on climate change and health are available from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This report serves as a vital call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to strengthen climate resilience efforts.