Urge Congress to Protect Pregnant Women and Babies from Climate Change
Climate-related risks, including air pollution, extreme heat, hurricanes and flooding threaten the health of all North Carolinians, but some people are more at risk than others. Pregnant people and children - and particularly low income and people of color - are disproportionately exposed to the health harms from climate change. And as a “threat multiplier”, climate change intersects with existing disparities in baseline health, access to healthcare, and poverty. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to make bold, equitable investments in climate solutions that protect health, through the Build Back Better Act.
In the US today, Black moms are at least three times as likely to die from pregnancy complications than White moms, and a Black child is twice as likely as a White child to develop asthma. Environmental conditions are exacerbating these health disparities. Air pollution from fossil fuels and hotter temperatures increase the risk of preterm delivery, low-birthweight babies, and asthma. Supporting a transition to cleaner energy sources can have immediate impacts on health.
Congress has introduced the framework for the Build Back Better Act,.which includes over $550 billion in investments in a transition to a clean energy infrastructure. In less than 60 seconds, you can join health professionals and community advocates across the state in calling on the North Carolina Federal Delegation to invest in the health of pregnant moms and future generations of North Carolinians. We have provided a sample message you can send to your representatives. Feel free to use it and personalize (e.g. "As a healthcare professional..." or "As a new mother...", etc.).