Changing Climate and Our Health

Now on display | Free admission

This exhibition continues the Museum series exploring science and world issues. It discusses how the changing climate in North Central Florida will impact our health. Visitors can learn about changes to the quality of drinking water and food production, as well as the growing seasons and ranges of allergy-causing plants. The exhibit also highlights ways to take action and get the community involved to help preserve our health.

  • Preserving quality freshwater: In Florida, our freshwater comes from one of the highest-producing aquifer systems in the world. There are three main threats to our freshwater from the changing climate: salt water contamination, extreme precipitation events and higher water temperatures.
  • When allergens attack: Climate change may impact growing seasons and ranges of allergy-causing plants. Planting/landscaping strategically can minimize allergen pollen.
  • Tracking air quality: Monitoring the quality of your air both indoors and outdoors can help you make decisions about travel, work and leisure activities.
  • Be part of the solution: Take action and get the community involved to protect your health, and share your plan.

  • 93% of Floridians rely on aquifer-fed groundwater for their drinking water. Where does your freshwater come from?
  • One likely result of a warming climate is extreme precipitation events in Florida, with both wet and dry periods. What will this mean for your health?
  • Ecosystems vital to healthy sources of water may be altered as temperature-sensitive plants and animals are affected. What can you and your community do to help?
  • Plant observations of leaf emergence and flowering help us understand the effects of our changing climate. How can you get involved?
  • How does our air quality locally compare to other places?

This exhibit is a joint effort of the Florida Museum, University of Florida/IFAS and the UF College of Journalism and Communications. Funding provided in part by a 2016 Seed Fund Grant from UF/IFAS.