Community Climate Conversations: Climate Change and Kids' Health

Join Portsmouth Climate Action/Seacoast Climate Action, NH Healthy Climate, and CHICKs (Climate and Health Initiative for Caregivers and Kids) for a community conversation about climate change and its impact on children's health. This monthly discussion series was formed to discuss climate issues and solutions for our community.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), children, including adolescents under age 18, are often more vulnerable than the general population to the health impacts of climate change.

There are many reasons children are adversely affected more than adults. Some of the reasons for this include:

• Children’s bodies are developing physically, which can make them more vulnerable to climate-related hazards like heat and poor air quality. They also breathe at a faster rate, increasing their exposure to dangerous air pollutants.
• Children tend to spend more time outdoors than adults, increasing their exposure to heat and cold, rain and snow, outdoor allergens, and insect bites.
• Children drink more water than adults per pound of body weight. This can increase their exposure to certain contaminants in recreational waters and the risk of developing gastrointestinal or other illnesses.
• Children are developing emotionally, as their brains continue to grow throughout adolescence. Children can experience mental health impacts from major storms, fires, and other extreme events that are expected to increase with a changing climate. They also can suffer from other changes, such as having to move due to climate threats.
• Young children depend on adults for their safety and well-being. This dependence can put children at greater risk during extreme events. For example, without adult help, children may not be able to keep their heads above floodwaters or get to safety during a storm.

Some topics to be discussed include asthma, the impact of exposure to toxins like PFAS and plastics on health and development, climate anxiety, and how heat can adversely affect children. The goal is to discuss actions and solutions to reduce risk and exposure. Be part of the solution, join us, and share your thoughts!

Registration is not required. This is a drop-in event and all are welcome!