Death by Degrees

PHYSICIANS WARN GEORGIA RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR MORE FLOODS, DROUGHT, BAD OZONE DAYS AND HEALTH EMERGENCIES

New Report Describes Impact of Global Warming on Georgia

Atlanta, GA -- Georgia's death rate for heat-related illness is one of the 10 highest in the nation. As greenhouse gases warm the earth, residents of Georgia can expect even more extremely hot days with a corresponding increase in heatstroke, heart attack and stroke. Asthma and other respiratory diseases will dramatically increase. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes will become more frequent and more intense.

With more frequent storms and floods, Georgians can expect to see more drownings, electrocutions, and other accidental deaths, as well as diarrhea from contaminated drinking water. Insects and rodents will multiply, increasing the incidence of diseases such as encephalitis and malaria. Sea level rise will impact Georgia's coastal communities. Higher surface temperatures may stimulate the growth of poisonous "red tides" algae which is eaten by fish and shellfish and transmitted to humans. Health costs will also rise as climate change takes its toll on Georgia's large uninsured population and elderly residents on Medicare.

These and other consequences of global warming are described in Death by Degrees: The Emerging Health Crisis of Climate Change in Georgia, a 30-page report released today by Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), a nonprofit organization representing 16,000 health professionals nationwide.

"We have just ended the hottest decade on record," said Dr. Robert K. Musil, Executive Director of PSR, who released the Death by Degrees report today at a press conference at the Capitol building in Atlanta. "The death rate for asthma has tripled over the past 20 years. Decisive action is needed now to protect human health. The number one priority is to reduce the burning of fossil fuels, especially by coal-burning power plants and automobiles."

The report lays out specific opportunities for personal and political actions needed to achieve this goal. The report on Georgia is the second report in a planned series of 18 state-specific reports in which PSR describes the effects that rising world temperatures will have on local communities. Free copies of the report are available to the public through the PSR national office.

Download the report: Death by Degrees, The Emerging Health Crisis of Climate Change in Georgia