WASHINGTON (TND) — U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine claimedThursday that climate change is impacting Black communities at a higher rate than other racial groups.
Climate change is having a disproportionate effect on the physical and mental health of Black communities,” Levinesaid in a Black History Month message. “Black Americans are more likely than white Americans to live in areas in housing that increase their susceptibility to clime related health issues.”
Levine, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, went on to cite statistics showing 65% of Black Americans report feeling “anxious about climate change’s impact.”
Levine explained a partnership between the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and the Office of Environmental Justice is now working to address the relationship between health and climate change.
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The remarks sparked outrage among social media users.
This could not be more OUT OF TOUCH,” Rep. Bryon Donalds, R-Fla., said. “Failed Democrat policy has: Caused record inflation, Prioritized illegals over AMERICANS, Made our streets less safe, Worsened the opioid crisis, Reduced access to capital. These are the REAL issues. Let’s start there.”
“This is all bulls—,” Newsmax host Carl Higbie said. “There is NO data to support ANY of this lol.”
A study published in the journal Science Advances this month claimed extreme heat and wildfire smoke result in more hospitalizations for low-income communities and Latino, Black and Asian communities. The study cited structural racism, discriminatory practices and lack of medical insurance as major contributing factors.
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