Climate change may activate or suppress the affects of Eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, insect over-wintering, heat waves, ground-level ozone, UV-B radiation, harmful algae blooms, food-borne disease outbreaks and other public health concerns. 

The Workshop purposes were:

· to initiate a two-way dialogue on the evolving scientific understanding of how potential climate change may impact human health in the future,

· to solicit the perceptions and concerns of members of the human health public health sectors, and others with vested interests in the allied health professions regarding climate change, and

· to identify specific gaps in information available to the general public, information needed in order to make more informed decisions regarding how best to deal with climate change impacts, if they occur.

Participants were presented the current understanding of the science behind climate change concerns and its potential to impact the New England Region. Climate model scenarios (model outcomes) for New England, their implications, and limitations were presented and discussed. Participants were asked to contribute their concerns and ideas, based on their first-hand experience, regarding the current stresses influencing regional health and well-being, and how they felt future changes in climate might affect health. Discussion of methods for coping with potential climate change impacts within the region were also  included.

The findings and issues identified by the Human Health Workshop are being incorporated into the Regional Assessment report, which will be completed in spring, 2000.