Pennsylvanians have reason to be ticked off about climate change

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, a time when Pennsylvanians take advantage of the many outdoor resources the Commonwealth has to offer. From hiking to fishing to camping, there are a range of activities in which outdoor enthusiasts and their families can engage.  

But here in Pennsylvania, our amazing outdoor resources are accompanied by a not-so-pleasant feature – the prevalence of ticks due to climate change. The black-legged tick, commonly known as the “deer tick,” transmits Lyme disease and poses a huge threat to outdoor recreation.

The threat of ticks isn’t new, but there is heightened concern this summer as warmer winters, caused by climate change, have allowed ticks to expand their habitable range. Increased exposure to ticks increases the risk of contracting Lyme disease, a serious threat to public health. Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms including fever, headaches, and chronic joint and nervous system impacts.

Not a pretty picture. 

In 2013, Pennsylvania reported nearly 5,000 cases of Lyme disease, more than any state in the country. Nationwide, the rate of reported cases has nearly doubled since 1991. It’s important to note that these figures only include reported cases – it’s possible that the actual number of cases is ten times greater than that. (Kudos to Senator Bob Casey for addressing the underreporting problem and advocating for better tracking of the disease and increased Center for Disease Control (CDC) funding.)

So how do we protect ourselves from these pests while also enjoying outdoor recreation activities? On an individual level, one should avoid piles of leaves and wear repellent containing DEET. One should also check their clothing and shower within two hours of visiting a tick-prone area. On a global level, taking action to combat the source of the problem – climate change due to carbon pollution – is critically important. This summer, it is expected that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finalize its Clean Power Plan, a rule that will set limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants.

Outdoor enthusiasts should contact their federal and state elected officials and encourage them to support a robust and effective Clean Power Plan both on the national level as well as its implementation on the state level. Your voice is important in protecting the enjoyment of our natural resources for all!

For more information, check out National Wildlife Federation’s Climate Change Bites Fact Sheet.

Katie Bartolotta is southeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Philadelphia. She tweets @KatieBartolotta.