Health Impacts of Extreme Weather Events: Exploring Protective Factors with a Capitals Framework

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Extreme weather events are increasing with climate change. The physical and mental health of people served by social workers may be especially at risk from these hazards. This exploratory study examines if specific types of human, financial, physical, and social capital are associated with health impacts from excessive summer heat and extreme winter weather. Method: Data from resident surveys (N = 424) in low- and moderate-income areas of a Southeastern US city are analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Key findings are that health status and social cohesion are negatively associated with health impacts of summer heat and winter extremes. Conclusion: Further study is needed of how specific types of capital may help people cope with a changing climate. Social capital may be a particularly relevant area for social work to address within the pressing issue of climate, weather, and the health of vulnerable groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Weather
• climate change
• physical health
• mental health
• social cohesion

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the University of Tennessee Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment.