Iowa Environmental Council Releases Interactive Climate Change and Environmental Health Map

New Tool Highlights Environmental and Public Health Data and Risks at a Community Level

IOWA – This week, the Iowa Environmental Council introduced the new Climate Change and Environmental Health map, a web-based tool highlighting more than 45 different environmental pollutants, climate change threats, and public health data points for Iowa communities. This map can help inform local environmental efforts and evaluate populations that are at greater risk for health and environmental challenges. 

The Climate Change and Environmental Health map is specifically designed to assist community leaders, public officials, members of the media, and environmental advocates as they address Iowa’s vulnerability to environmental hazards. This map is the first of its kind in Iowa, and it allows users to drill down to a community or even address level to evaluate risk factors. IEC staff have used this tool in conversations with stakeholders to illuminate challenges faced, while complementing existing work at a highly localized level. 

“The Iowa Environmental Council is committed to communicating environmental health data as we respond to the worsening climate crisis,” says Cody Smith, IEC Director of Climate Initiatives. “Concerns of flooding, extreme heat, and pollution are top of mind for stakeholders and residents in the communities where we’ve shared this new tool. Our Climate Change and Environmental Health Map will help locate areas of greatest concern, expose potential threats, and identify opportunities for intervention.” 

The most common impacts of climate change in Iowa include more frequent extreme weather such as storms and tornadoes, more days with extreme heat, and more frequent and increasingly damaging flood disasters. These risks, coupled with socioeconomic barriers, can make it difficult for individuals and community leaders to respond to hazards. 

Sources of environmental pollution are also a key focus of the Climate Change and Environmental Health map. These issues include industrial air pollution, wastewater discharges, and transportation emissions. Pollution from these sources degrades local air, water, and soil quality, while also contributing to negative health outcomes for residents. 

“Iowans deserve to live in healthy communities that are free from persistent environmental pollution,” says Smith, “Knowledge is power. When we know and understand these health risks and their sources, we can work together to improve them. We’re eager to get this information into the hands of residents who need it most.”  

Visit the map, user guide, and codebook on IEC’s Climate Initiatives webpage. 

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The Iowa Environmental Council is the state's largest and most comprehensive environmental alliance, comprised of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Through education, advocacy and coalition building, the Council raises awareness, generates action, and creates large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.