Three Portland-Area Counties Release New Health Dashboards Tracking Climate Impacts – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. — Health officials from Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties have launched a new set of online dashboards showing how climate change is affecting the region’s health, and who’s most at risk.

The dashboards track 14 years of data on heat, cold, air quality, infectious disease and mental health. Officials say the tools will help local governments monitor trends, guide emergency response and better target resources toward vulnerable communities.

According to county health leaders, climate change is not affecting everyone equally. In Multnomah County, the most impacted groups include people with lower incomes, communities of color and unhoused residents. In Clackamas County, farmworkers, rural residents and non-English speakers face the greatest risks. Washington County officials highlighted older adults and those with chronic illnesses as particularly vulnerable.

The data show that heat-related illness, poor air quality and stress from extreme weather have all increased since 2021. Officials say the dashboards provide a clearer picture of how climate change is reshaping public health across the Portland metro region.