Unusual Weather Events Associated with Climate Change in Alaska have Adverse Health Outcomes: Findings from a Community-Based Sentinel Surveillance System.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Residents of the circumpolar north are experiencing the environmental effects of climate change, including unusually mild and dry weather in winter, flooding from rapid snowmelt in the spring, and storms of unusual intensity in the summer and fall. This study evaluated the health risks associated with such environmental effects to inform the development of adaptation strategies in Alaska. METHODS: A cohort of more than 90 study participants representing eight communities across Alaska provided monthly surveillance surveys from April or May of 2011 to March or April of 2012. The survey's structured thematic sections included community observations on local weather, hunting and harvesting, food and water safety, and general health and air quality. Open-ended text fields for each theme and for general observations were included.