Speakers discussed the dangers of extreme heat on women and children, the dangers of dismantling the EPA, and the compounding impacts of climate change on women, the elderly, and Black and Brown communities.
Numerous studies have found that women and girls are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.
Health-wise, women are more vulnerable to severe asthma symptoms, which is of particular concern in Pennsylvania where the asthma rate is somewhat higher than the national average statewide and in cities like PIttsburgh and Philadelphia is more than double the national average.
Increased heat and pollution have also been linked to greater health problems in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, including increased instances of low birth weight, birth defects and stillbirth.
Financial, social and psychological impacts from climate change and pollution may also hit women and girls harder than men.
This is particularly severe in Black and Brown communities which already face greater problems due to decades of redlining and discrimination.
Those communities are often closer to highways and polluting industries, increasing the impacts of pollution, and extreme weather takes a toll on homes and infrastructure for those who can least afford it financially.
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Highlighted Comments
-- Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (Chair of City Council’s Committee on the Environment): “We know climate change is also a health emergency, one that is already plaguing our disadvantaged communities in particular.
Philly's children have asthma at more than double the national rate, and every year hundreds of Philadelphians end up in the hospital from heat-related emergencies.
If global warming increases this will only get worse, so we should be doubling down in our efforts to fight climate change, but instead President Trump has pulled the plug."
-- Dr. Joniqua Ceasar, MD (PSR PA board member): “Extreme heat is an urgent child health issue, and addressing it requires a coordinated effort between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.
By taking action now, we can prevent heat-related illnesses and save lives, ensuring that all children in Philadelphia can grow up healthy, safe, and resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
-- Brooke Petry (Field Organizer of PA for Moms Clean Air Force): “Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and uniquely jeopardizes their health, safety, and wellbeing.
With the federal government dropping the ball on climate and clean air protections, it’s critical that state and local governments step in to develop and advance policies that slow climate change, reduce pollution, and protect public health.
Moms Clean Air Force believes in the power of women–especially moms—to make a difference in the fight for a healthier present and future. Our members will continue to hold those in power accountable, and to advocate for equitable climate and pollution protections for all.”
-- Gail Pryor (Philadelphia Resident):“I’d say the problem is worse in Black communities, where we’re already dealing with so much—poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and systemic inequality.
Climate change has only deepened these problems. As a Black woman, a homeowner, and a proud Philadelphian, I see how often we are mistreated, ignored, and cast aside when trying to make our voices heard when working to make plain our suffering.”
Visit the Physicians For Social Responsibility PA and the Climate Action Campaign websites for more information.
[Posted: March 26, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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