Recognizing that climate change poses a growing threat to public health and necessitates coordinated action to mitigate its impacts and safeguard the health and well-being of all people in the United States.
Summary
Senate Resolution 318 acknowledges climate change as a significant threat to public health, necessitating coordinated action. It emphasizes the need to mitigate climate change impacts and safeguard the well-being of all people in the United States. The resolution calls for increased climate readiness and response within the health sector, equitable distribution of funding, and support for vulnerable communities.
Expected Effects
This resolution, if acted upon, would likely lead to increased federal focus and resources directed towards addressing the health impacts of climate change. It could result in policy changes within the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies. The resolution also aims to improve the resilience of healthcare infrastructure and support frontline health workers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased resilience of healthcare infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
- Improved access to funding and technical assistance for underserved communities to address climate adaptation.
- Enhanced data collection and dissemination on the health impacts of climate change.
- Strengthened worker protections against climate-related hazards, such as extreme heat.
- Greater engagement of community-based organizations and tribal governments in climate-health decision-making.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and expansion of federal programs.
- Possible regulatory burdens on businesses and healthcare organizations.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if programs are not effectively managed.
- Potential for political disagreements and delays in implementation.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of the proposed measures.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, the preamble of the Constitution states the intention to "promote the general Welfare." The resolution's focus on public health and environmental protection falls under this broad mandate. However, the extent to which the federal government can regulate activities related to climate change is subject to ongoing debate and legal interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).