The climate crisis impacts the health of our community in many different ways. The challenges we face and the solutions they demand are intertwined and rooted in a social equity approach, centering the experiences and needs of the most vulnerable groups in our community.

Climate Smart Missoula has integrated human health considerations into our work since our inception. Peruse this page to learn more about how health is connected to our work, past and present. 

Mental Health

​Climate change can impact our mental health and emotional well-being, from the way we feel about our altered home environments to how our brains are affected by increased heat and wildfire smoke. Yet changes to our climate also provide an opportunity to re-think our lifestyles and our communities in ways that promote resilience, personal growth, and well-being. Visit our mental health page for more information. 

Past Events

Health and climate summit
​The October 2016 Health and Climate Summit brought over 100 community members together to discuss how we can cultivate a healthy Missoula given climate change. 

Here's a recap of the event.

The Summit was hosted by Climate Smart Missoula with financial support from GCS, American Lung Association in Montana, and the Institute of Health and Humanities. The event was also made possible by the Bloomberg Award for Partners for Places. 
climate, health, and humanities
In March of 2016, we hosted a three day event in partnership with the University of Montana, Institute for Health and Humanities, and American Lung Association. 
  • March 15. What does climate change have to do with heart health? Presentation by Mark Vossler, MD, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility. 
  • March 16. Taking it in: climate change, emotion, and humanities. Presentation by SueEllen Campbell, PhD, Colorado State University.  Remarks about climate and health implications by Missoula's Beth Schenk, RN, PhD to follow.  Read SueEllen's Nine Points of Wisdom and check out her website:  100 Views of Climate Change.
  • March 19. An Evening of Food, Drink, Conversation, and a Movie. The Wisdom to Survive. 

Wellness and Livability

Healthy, local food is a key mitigation and adaptation strategy. Our deputy director, Abby Huseth, was key in establishing the Food Policy Advisory Board, which will advise both city and county government on local agriculture and food-related policy issues. 

Wildfire Smoke and Heat

Our ​Heat and Smoke + Wildfires pages are full of great information on how we can better weather the weather. 

For a quick primer on what's the risk of wildfire smoke and heat, watch the 90 second videos below: 
Wildfire Smoke
Heat
The relationship between health and climate is a key component of Climate Ready Missoula, Missoula's climate resiliency plan. ​Visit the plan's website to learn more. 

Homes & Buildings

Healthy homes and buildings are essential for both adapting to climate impacts and reducing our emissions. Our Electrify Missoula campaign is focused on this crucial intersection, providing resources to help our community transition from fossil-fuel appliances to efficient electric one. Visit the website to learn more.

Emergency Preparedness

The relationship between human health, emergency preparedness, and climate change, is a key component of Climate Ready Missoula, our community's climate resiliency plan.

Visit the plan's website, climatereadymissoula.org, to learn more. 

Urban Planning and Land Use

Explore our Smart Growth and Transportation pages to see how we're advocating for land use planning that enables a healthier society. 

The Missoula Invest Health team has maps where you can explore health equity. The link is HERE. 

Climate Change and Physical Health Resources