Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

Climate change is about much more than extreme weather. For one thing, it is making us ill. The World Health Organization calls it the biggest health threat facing humanity.

Heat alone is a serious health risk. Air pollution and increased mold from flooding and smoke from wildfires worsen respiratory diseases. In the United States, vector-borne diseases tied to ticks, mosquitoes and fleas have more than doubled in the last 15 years. Extreme weather that causes loss of homes and jobs, injuries and death, is a trigger for mental illness. Many root causes of climate change also increase the risk of pandemics.

One of the actions in the Vineyard Climate Action Plan is to survey the Island’s health care professionals to gauge the level of knowledge about climate change-related health impacts. The survey is the first step. The responses will help the subcommittee create targeted resources and programs for both health care providers and the public.

If you are a health care provider, please take five minutes to fill out the survey. You may have already received it, but it will be forwarded to you again shortly. The public is also welcome to take part.

Addressing climate change impacts is a community effort. Here is a chance to help make a positive difference.

Liz Durkee

Oak Bluffs

Liz Durkee is the climate change coordinator for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.