Health care advocates in New Mexico are rallying behind two proposals that aim to track and address the health consequences of climate change. With an increasing number of extreme weather events impacting the state, these proposals are a critical step toward understanding how rising temperatures, wildfires, and other disasters are affecting New Mexicans’ health.
The Growing Need for Data
New Mexico has experienced a surge in extreme weather events over the past few years. From scorching heatwaves to devastating wildfires, these events are not only damaging the environment but also taking a toll on public health. In response, a collective of health care professionals and organizations is calling on the state to take action by tracking and addressing the climate change-related health impacts.
Healthy Climate New Mexico, a nonprofit focused on climate change and public health, has teamed up with nine other groups to push for legislative changes. The focus of these efforts is on two key proposals designed to improve the state’s preparedness for extreme weather and enhance its response to the climate crisis.
These proposals call for a more robust tracking system for climate-related health issues and the creation of funding to help local and tribal governments better handle weather disasters. The goal is to improve both the state’s ability to monitor the situation and the ability of local governments to respond effectively to these threats.
Proposed Legislation to Track and Respond to Climate Health
The first proposal would expand the New Mexico Department of Health’s climate health program to better monitor the impact of climate-related disasters such as heatwaves, wildfire smoke, drought, flooding, and severe storms. With this expansion, the department would be able to gather more data on how climate change is harming public health and help target interventions where they are most needed.
Shelley Mann-Lev, the executive director of Healthy Climate New Mexico, emphasized the importance of data collection. “Our bills are focused on adaptation and resilience, preparedness and collecting data, which is essential in really knowing who’s at highest risk and where the solutions need to be applied,” she said.
The second proposal seeks to establish the Extreme Weather Resilience Fund, which would provide grant funds to local and tribal governments to assist them in better preparing for and responding to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters. The advocates are asking for a total of $12 million for the fund, which would help ensure communities are better equipped to handle the health impacts of extreme weather events.
Both proposals would require state funding. The climate health program would be allocated $1.1 million to fund additional staff, enhance warning systems, and improve communication between the state agencies, the public, and other stakeholders.
Why This is an Urgent Issue
The call for action comes at a time when the state is seeing firsthand the damaging effects of climate change. For example, the Atkore United Poly Systems fire, which occurred on August 6, 2023, is a vivid reminder of how environmental disasters can jeopardize public health. Wildfires not only destroy homes and wildlife habitats but also release toxic smoke that can trigger respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The need for a comprehensive climate health program is more urgent than ever. Mann-Lev, with decades of public health experience in New Mexico, believes these efforts are essential for reducing health risks. By having detailed data on climate-related health impacts, the state can create targeted programs to protect the most vulnerable citizens and prepare communities for future events.
Legislative Momentum Builds
This legislative session marks the third time similar proposals have been introduced in New Mexico. Advocates are hopeful that the bills will gain more traction this year, as there appears to be growing support from both the governor’s office and members of the legislature. Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerillos), who has previously introduced the legislation, is set to sponsor the Senate version of the bill. She has noted that there is increased concern about climate change and its impacts on health.
“I’ve introduced this before, and I feel there is more momentum this time,” Stefanics said, reflecting on the heightened awareness surrounding the issue.
The bill has also garnered support from a variety of organizations, including Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, New Mexico Voices for Children, the American Lung Association, and two climate organizations. These groups stress the urgency of addressing climate-related health impacts, pointing out that the state’s health care system is already stretched thin by other challenges, such as the ongoing pandemic and economic hardships.
“Beyond the Body Counts”
The support for the legislation underscores a growing recognition of the long-term health consequences of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, New Mexico’s health care infrastructure must be equipped to handle the resulting health crises. Advocates argue that it’s not just about counting the body bags, but about proactively addressing the underlying causes of these health impacts and reducing the risks to vulnerable populations.
By tracking the impact of climate change on health, New Mexico can take concrete steps to prevent harm before it happens and respond more effectively when disasters strike.
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