1. "Rising Temperatures and Health Risks: Understanding Temperature-related Death and Illness"
2. "Breathing in Danger: Exploring Air Quality Impacts in the U.S. Caribbean"
3. "Surviving the Storm: Health Impacts of Extreme Events in the Caribbean"
4. "Battling the Bugs: Vector-borne Diseases in the U.S. Caribbean"
5. "Thirsty for Change: Water-related Illness in Coastal Communities"
6. "Food Insecurity and Climate Change: The Impact on Food Safety and Nutrition"
7. "Mental Health in Crisis: Addressing Mental Health and Well-being in the Caribbean"
8. "Vulnerable Populations: Understanding the Concerns in the U.S. Caribbean"
9. "Dig Deeper: Learn More about the Health Impacts of Climate Change in the U.S. Caribbean"

The impacts of climate change on the U.S. Caribbean region are becoming increasingly evident, with a recent report highlighting the various health risks associated with rising temperatures, air quality impacts, extreme weather events, vector-borne diseases, water-related illnesses, food safety, mental health, and vulnerable populations.

According to weather stations, the number of days with temperatures above 90°F has been on the rise over the past four and a half decades. This increase in extreme heat events has been linked to a higher incidence of stroke and cardiovascular disease in Puerto Rico, particularly during the record heat episode in 2012. Factors such as age, poverty, chronic health conditions, and outdoor labor contribute to the heat risk and sensitivity of certain populations.

Air quality in the U.S. Caribbean is also affected by dust particles from the Sahara, which can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory risks. Additionally, increasing humidity and temperatures contribute to the abundance of mold and spores, impacting respiratory non-communicable diseases.

Extreme weather events, such as flooding and droughts, pose significant risks to life, property, and the economy in the Caribbean. These events are projected to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change worsens, particularly affecting low-lying coastal areas with a high concentration of population and critical infrastructure.

Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, are on the rise in the Caribbean, with warmer conditions facilitating the expansion of mosquito populations. Emerging diseases like leptospirosis are also becoming more prevalent, especially in flood-prone areas with heavy rainfall.

Water-related illnesses are a growing concern in coastal communities, as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather events threaten water supplies. Traditional rainwater catchment systems are becoming unreliable, leading to water pollution and disease outbreaks.

Changes in fisheries distribution and agricultural operations are affecting food security and economies throughout the Caribbean. Rising temperatures and extreme heat events are impacting cattle ranchers and dairy farmers, reducing productivity and increasing heat stress on animals.

Mental health impacts are significant in the aftermath of extreme weather events, with high levels of PTSD, depressive symptoms, and disaster-related stressors observed in survivors. Vulnerable populations, including those of African and Indigenous descent, are at higher risk due to economic disparities, historical injustices, and urban heat island effects.

To learn more about the health impacts of climate change in the U.S. Caribbean, you can download the Factsheet provided by the CDC here.