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Climate Change Exacerbates Health Inequities, Rutgers Dean Warns

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. rbates-health-inequities-rutgers-dean-warns.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 22:28 GMT by PBS
      Locales: UNITED STATES, GREECE

New Brunswick, NJ - February 5, 2026 - The converging crises of climate change and persistent social injustice are creating a perfect storm for public health, argues Perry Halkitis, Dean of the School of Public Health at Rutgers University. In a recent interview, Dean Halkitis illuminated the critical, often overlooked, link between environmental degradation and health disparities, emphasizing that climate change isn't merely an environmental concern, but a fundamental threat to public wellbeing - particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

"For too long, we've compartmentalized these issues," Dean Halkitis explained. "We discuss climate change in terms of rising sea levels and carbon emissions, and public health in terms of disease outbreaks and healthcare access. But these are deeply intertwined. Climate change is a public health emergency, and it's a public health emergency that is dramatically exacerbating existing inequalities."

The effects are already visible. Increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events - heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts - are directly impacting human health. Heatstroke, respiratory illnesses triggered by air pollution from wildfires, and waterborne diseases stemming from flooding are all on the rise. But the burden of these impacts is not shared equally. Low-income communities and communities of color consistently bear the brunt of climate-related health risks.

Dean Halkitis points to a confluence of factors driving this inequity. These communities are often located in areas more susceptible to environmental hazards, such as floodplains or near polluting industries. They may have limited access to resources like air conditioning, healthcare, and transportation, making it difficult to cope with extreme weather or seek medical attention. Historic and ongoing systemic racism and socioeconomic disadvantage further compound these vulnerabilities. For example, redlining practices, which historically denied services to communities based on racial demographics, have left many minority neighborhoods with fewer green spaces, increased exposure to pollution, and a lack of infrastructure to mitigate climate impacts.

"Imagine a heatwave hitting a wealthy suburb with ample tree cover, well-maintained infrastructure, and universal access to air conditioning," Halkitis posited. "Now picture that same heatwave hitting an underserved urban neighborhood with limited green space, aging infrastructure prone to power outages, and a high concentration of residents with pre-existing health conditions. The outcomes will be dramatically different."

Beyond direct physical impacts, climate change also contributes to social and economic stressors that negatively affect health. Displacement due to extreme weather events can lead to food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health challenges. Increased competition for scarce resources can exacerbate social tensions and violence. The disruption of agricultural systems can impact food supplies and nutritional quality, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Dean Halkitis advocates for a fundamental shift in how we approach climate change and public health. He champions a "systems-level" approach that addresses the social determinants of health - the complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes - alongside traditional mitigation and adaptation strategies. This means investing in affordable housing, quality education, job training, and healthcare access in vulnerable communities. It also means ensuring that climate resilience measures, such as green infrastructure projects and early warning systems, are implemented equitably.

"We need to move beyond simply reducing carbon emissions, which is crucial, but not enough," Halkitis stressed. "We must actively dismantle the systemic inequalities that make certain communities disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts. This requires a multi-sectoral collaboration involving public health agencies, environmental organizations, community groups, and policymakers."

He urges a focus on community-led solutions, emphasizing that those most affected by climate change are often best positioned to identify and implement effective strategies. This could include supporting local food systems, promoting green job creation, and empowering residents to advocate for policies that prioritize their health and wellbeing.

The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Without a concerted effort to address the intersection of climate change, social justice, and public health, existing health inequities will inevitably worsen, and the long-term consequences for our society will be dire. Dean Halkitis's insights serve as a powerful call to action, reminding us that a healthy future is inextricably linked to a just and sustainable one.