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How Will Climate Change Impact Environmental Quality And Health In New Mexico?

Sydney Weydemeyer

Climate change in New Mexico can have severe health effects on its citizens.  These health effects extend beyond individuals; they can influence everything from the health of New Mexico’s tourism industry to the health of deer mice, the transmitters of Hantavirus.

Ozone
New Mexico already has areas of ozone (the main ingredient in smog) greater than federal health standards, climate change could increase concentrations of ozone from 5-20%. The current energy dependency has created an energy industry that belches smog straight into our trademark blue skies. Besides smog’s aesthetic detriments, it is a leading cause in aggravating asthma, chronic lung diseases, and may even cause permanent lung damage.

Catastrophic Wildfires
As temperatures in New Mexico continue rising, droughts become more frequent.  High temperatures during droughts will reduce fuel moisture and increase the frequency and strength of wildfires. In the summer of 2000, New Mexico made national and international news with the Cerro Grande wildfire.  The fire, located near Los Alamos NM, burned close to 50,000 acres and destroyed over 400 homes. Wildfires like the Cerro Gordo fire have led to thick smoke that has far exceeded federal health standards, and health concerns have led to evacuations of communities.  Smoke causes the same serious health problems as smog (see above).

Disease Outbreak
Warmer temperatures can increase the epidemic potential of diseases caused by mosquitoes (such as dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus) by lengthening the breeding season and increasing the likelihood of transmitting disease. Outbreaks of plague in New Mexico have been linked to increased winter and spring precipitation, which increases vegetation growth and rodent abundance.
Increased rodent abundance can lead to the spread of Hantavirus, a disease that spreads through breathing in dust that is contaminated by the saliva and droppings of infected deer mice.

Droughts reduce vegetative cover, creating the perfect environment for dust storms. More frequent and widespread dust storms will significantly reduce air quality. Reduced air quality affects not only the health of New Mexican citizens, but also their safety.  Dust storms can create dangerous driving hazards on highways. Dust storms also have an economic effect; tourists visiting the Land of Enchantment will not be impressed with grey and hazy skies. Dust storms and disturbance of soil also increase the risk of such diseases as Valley Fever, a fungal disease that spreads through soil disruption.

Extreme Heat
In New Mexico, episodes of extreme heat are projected to increase several-fold in the mid to late 21st century as a result of global climate change. Daily maximum temperatures, which are now exceeded on only the hottest 18 days of the year, are projected to be exceeded on 60 to 70 days per year. Hot days can lead to increased cases of dehydration and heatstroke. Heat waves can also be fatal, especially among the very old and very young.

Many of these dangers will disproportionately affect low-income communities.