Climate change is happening in Multnomah County, threatening our access to clean air, clean water and healthy food.
The health impacts of hotter summers, wetter winters and extreme weather events create major public health challenges. Especially for our most vulnerable community members.
In the Portland region, communities of color and low-income communities already experience poorer health and disparities.
Climate change will make health disparities worse. Our response to climate change is an opportunity to correct this.
More on the health impacts of climate change»
Actions We're Taking
Multnomah County Health Department is working with the community to prepare for these changes. This includes:
- Monitoring climate and health data
- Designing and implementing public health interventions
- Engaging with community partners on planning efforts
- Fostering and strengthening regional climate efforts
In 2021, our leaders declared racism a public health crisis, acknowledging the role systemic racism plays in creating unfair health disparities. This includes those related to climate hazards.
Regional Climate and Health Dashboards
Explore these dashboards to see how climate changes have impacted health in the tri-county region over time. Created jointly by Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, the dashboards use local climate statistics and health indicator data to track and analyze changes about known health issues. They also detect emerging public health threats.
Tracking the impacts of climate changes on health over time better prepares us to plan and take actions to adapt.
- Extreme heat impacts
- Extreme cold and ice events
- Air quality impacts
- Infectious disease trends
- Mental health survey findings
Heat Vulnerability Index
Explores vulnerability to extreme heat throughout Multnomah County by:
- Sensitivity to heat and illness
- Exposure to extreme heat and the elements of our built environments
- Ability to adapt to extreme heat and avoid harm
Reports
Portland Metro Heat Watch Report, 2023
Plans & Strategy
Contact Us
Healthy Homes & Communities Program
Jairaj Singh (he/they), Climate & Health Facilitator
971-438-7960
jairaj.singh@multco.us
Dan Trifone (he/him), Climate & Health Coordinator
971-710-9958
daniel.trifone@multco.us