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This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC - safer, healthier people.

Climate change is a hot topic in the news, and gets lots of attention around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot predict the impact of these changes on society and public health, but we are working to prepare for potential health issues that may be associated with changes in our climate. Our recent experience in responding to natural disasters gives us a sense of the complexity of events that may occur as a result of global climate change. Our work tracking the health effects of heat waves helps us understand climate-related preparedness needs.

We can best address climate change through scientific public health principles. CDC has identified several priorities:

• Developing response plans for heat waves;
• Monitoring and preventing health threats;
• Researching possible relationships between climate change and health outcomes;
• Training the public health community to respond to threats associated with climate change; and
• Communicating potential health risks to individuals and communities.

CDC is working to protect populations most at risk for adverse health effects due to climate change. These include low-income individuals, the elderly, children, and the immuno-compromised.

CDC is approaching the health impact of climate change with ''preparedness-thinking'', just as we do for other threats to the public''s health. Our work will strengthen the ability of federal, state, and local health workers called to respond to the adverse health effects of climate change.

To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you, your family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.