Relating to the establishment of a task force regarding climate adaptability and resiliency

This bill provides for the establishment of a task force regarding climate adaptability and resiliency. Under the bill, the department of public health shall convene a task force to address the public health challenges and health consequences of climate change by developing an action plan for climate adaptability and resiliency in the state. The goals of the task force shall include enhancing the adaptive capacity of state and local infrastructure to climate change and strengthening overall environmental, economic, and social resiliency. The task force shall involve stakeholders representing the diverse perspectives of health-determining sectors as appropriate for incorporating the effects of climate change into integrated, comprehensive strategic planning across multiple sectors and to inform community resource development including the public health and health care infrastructures. The task force may consider the guiding principles for adaptation outlined in the 2010 progress report of the interagency climate change adaptation task force and the building resilience against climate effects framework of the centers for disease control and prevention of the United States department of health and human services designed to allow health officials to develop strategies and programs to help communities prepare for the health effects of climate change. The task force shall specifically focus on weather and climate effects on the social and environmental determinants of human health including clean air, safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food, and secure shelter to protect the health of Iowans who would be most at risk to impacts of climate change. Additionally, the task force shall address prevention and mitigation of the effects of climate change including on the prevalence and transmission of infectious diseases, allergic responses, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases related to worsening air pollution, nutritional shortages related to changes in food production, mental health, and population dislocation. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommended next steps to the governor and the general assembly by November 30, 2021.