Climate Change
Ground Zero for a Public Health Emergency
Pennsylvania’s communities stand on the front lines of the climate crisis—ground zero for the storm‑fueled floods, heatwaves, and toxic air that already threaten our health and economy. Climate change is more than a distant forecast; it is a present‑day public‑health emergency demanding immediate action.
*Photo is an aerial view of the snow covered Poconos Mountains.
The Science‑Backed Targets We Must Meet
To keep global heating to 1.5 °C—the Paris Agreement’s red‑line for avoiding the worst impacts—the world must cut greenhouse‑gas (GHG) emissions 45 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net‑zero by 2050. Every ton of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide we prevent today buys time, protects health, and saves lives.
Why Pennsylvania Matters
• High GHG Footprint – The Commonwealth ranks among the nation’s top emitters of carbon dioxide and methane, due largely to coal and natural‑gas combustion, petrochemical manufacturing, and transportation.
• Methane Hotspots – Leaking wells, pipelines, and compressor stations release methane, a climate super‑pollutant that is 80× more potent than CO₂ over 20 years.
• Health Burden – Rising temperatures intensify smog, pollen seasons, and vector‑borne disease, while extreme storms jeopardize drinking‑water quality and public infrastructure.
Our Tools for Change
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Health‑Driven Advocacy – Physicians, nurses, and health professional experts testify, write op‑eds, and brief lawmakers on climate‑health science.
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Community Science & Monitoring – We document methane leaks, air toxics, and heat inequities, turning data into action.
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Legal & Policy Engagement – From local ordinances to federal comments, we push for emission caps, electrification incentives, and environmental‑justice protections.
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Education & Youth Leadership – Workshops, webinars, and youth fellowships empower the next generation to demand climate justice now.
Join Us at Ground Zero
We are out of time but not out of solutions.
Whether you are a health professional, student, policymaker, or concerned resident, your voice can accelerate the 45 percent cut we must achieve by 2030. Sign up, volunteer, or donate today to power a healthier, fossil‑free future for Pennsylvania and beyond.