Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts | 2021 Assessment Report
PEOPLE CHAPTER
Communities are feeling the impacts and planning for a changing climate Backpacker on Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains, Wis. Photo credit: Travel Wisconsin
INTRODUCTION Communities across Wisconsin are feeling the impacts of climate change. Hot and muggy weather, more intense and frequent heavy rainfalls, freezing winter rain instead of snow, polar vortexes, derechos and other extreme events are challenging communities across Wisconsin. Human health and safety in all Wisconsin communities are increasingly at risk from climate impacts like flooding, the spread of disease, extreme heat, and exposure to pollution. These impacts extend to environmen-
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WICCI Report 2021
tal resources and activities that are important to Tribal Nations, Hmong communities, and other communities of color. Support and funding for planning efforts are needed to position communities for future climate impacts. Ultimately, efforts to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and create an equitable transition to renewable energy will be the most important way to protect human health and mitigate the impacts of a warming climate on future generations. The topics covered in this chapter include issues, impacts and solutions in the areas of community sustainability, human health, and tourism and out-
