Racial and ethnic health inequities caused by extreme U.S. weather events: A nationally representative study

Introduction

As extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and magnitude due to climate change, racially and ethnically marginalized communities are likely to experience inequities in health burdens from these extreme weather events. This study examined physical and mental health disparities due to the impacts of extreme weather events.

Methods

A representative survey of 2646 U.S. adults from March 31 to May 8, 2022, assessed extreme weather exposure and its impact on self-reported household physical and mental health in the prior five years. Multivariable logistic models evaluated related health inequities based on racial/ethnic categories of Non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Indigenous, adjusting for regional and individual factors.

Results

All racial/ethnic groups were more likely to experience serious household physical health problems due to extreme weather events than non-Hispanic Whites. The effect was strongest for Indigenous people (AOR:4.95, 95 % CI:2.86–8.55). This group was also significantly more likely (AOR:2.65, 95 % CI:1.48–4.75) to report serious household problems with mental health related to an extreme weather event.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that climate change mitigation and adaptation policy should consider the health of marginalized communities. Regional and national efforts should address the underlying systemic challenges contributing to marginalized communities’ vulnerability.