Climate Change and Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Our health in Grand Rapids is closely tied to the environment around us—from Lake Michigan and the Grand River to our changing seasons. As the climate changes, it affects the health, safety, and wellbeing of people across West Michigan, including right here in Kent County.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns over decades. Most of the recent changes are driven by human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels. Without action, these changes will have serious consequences for Grand Rapids, the state of Michigan, and the rest of the world.

The positive news: there are practical steps individuals, families, and communities in Grand Rapids can take to protect health now and reduce future risks.

How Climate Change Affects Michigan and Grand Rapids

Warming Temperatures in Michigan

Across the United States, average temperatures have risen over the last century. Michigan has warmed by just over 1.0°C since the early 1900s. In West Michigan, this means:

  • Warmer average temperatures year-round
  • Hotter, longer summer heatwaves
  • Shorter, milder winters
  • Earlier spring and longer warm seasons

These changes affect how we live, work, and stay healthy in Grand Rapids.

Changing Rain and Snow Patterns

Climate projections for Michigan suggest:

  • More intense rainstorms and flash flooding – Heavy downpours can overwhelm storm drains in Grand Rapids neighborhoods, leading to flooded basements, road closures, and contamination of rivers and streams.
  • More frequent flooding events – Especially along the Grand River and in low-lying areas.
  • Winter changes – More freeze–thaw cycles, icy conditions, and heavy wet snow events that can affect transportation and increase injury risk.

Great Lakes and Local Waterways

West Michigan’s climate is strongly influenced by the Great Lakes. As the climate warms:

  • Lake-effect snow patterns may shift, with some winters seeing heavier snow, others more freezing rain.
  • Water quality in rivers and lakes (including the Grand River and nearby inland lakes) can be affected by:
    • Heavy rain washing pollutants and bacteria into the water
    • Warmer water temperatures increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms
    • Increased stormwater runoff from urban areas in Grand Rapids

These changes can increase health risks for swimmers, boaters, and people who rely on local waterways for recreation.

How Climate Change Impacts Health in Grand Rapids

The World Health Organization calls climate change the biggest health threat of the 21st century. It affects health in both direct and indirect ways.

Direct Health Impacts

  • Heatwaves and extreme heat

    • More hot and humid days in Grand Rapids increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    • Nighttime temperatures may stay higher, giving the body less time to cool down.

  • Extreme weather events

    • Severe thunderstorms, high winds, ice storms, and flooding can cause injuries, property damage, power outages, and disruptions to medical care.
    • Flooding can contaminate drinking water and increase the risk of infections.

Indirect Health Impacts

  • Worsening air quality

    • Hotter temperatures can increase ground-level ozone, which can trigger asthma and other breathing problems.
    • Wildfire smoke from other regions can travel into Michigan, degrading air quality in Grand Rapids.
    • Increased pollen seasons can aggravate allergies and asthma.

  • Infectious diseases

    • Warmer, wetter conditions can extend mosquito and tick seasons, increasing the risk of vector-borne illness.
    • Heavy rains and flooding can spread water-borne diseases and contaminate recreational water.

  • Food and water safety

    • Higher temperatures increase the growth of bacteria that cause food poisoning.
    • Flooding can affect private wells and local water systems.

  • Mental health

    • Extreme weather events, property loss, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future climate can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Who Is Most at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Some people in Grand Rapids are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change:

Children

  • More susceptible to heat stress and dehydration
  • More sensitive to air pollution, ozone, and wildfire smoke
  • At higher risk of infections because their immune systems are still developing
  • Depend on adults to keep them safe and help them recover after emergencies

Pregnant People

  • At increased risk of heat stress during heatwaves
  • More vulnerable to air pollution and smoke, which can affect both parent and baby

Older Adults and People with Chronic Conditions

  • Higher risk of dehydration, heat stress, and heat stroke
  • More likely to experience worsening heart or lung disease during heatwaves or poor air quality days
  • May be more affected by power outages and disruptions in healthcare access

People with Limited Resources or Access to Care

  • People on low incomes
  • Individuals without stable housing
  • Residents in older housing or poorly insulated homes
  • People living in neighborhoods with less green space and higher air pollution

These groups may have more difficulty staying cool in summer, accessing healthcare, or recovering after floods or storms.

Staying Healthy in a Warming Grand Rapids Climate

There are many simple actions you can take to protect yourself and your family from climate-related health risks.

Coping with Extreme Heat

West Michigan is seeing more hot days and longer heatwaves. To stay safe:

  • Drink plenty of water – Even if you do not feel very thirsty.
  • Stay in cool places – Use fans, air conditioning, or visit air-conditioned public spaces (libraries, malls, cooling centers announced by the Kent County Health Department during extreme heat events).
  • Never leave anyone in a parked car – Not children, older adults, or pets, even for a short time.
  • Plan ahead – Check the weather forecast, adjust outdoor activities, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Check on others – Call or visit older neighbors, relatives, or friends who may be at risk.

Local hospitals such as Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health regularly share heat safety tips and may open additional resources during extreme events.

Mosquito and Tick-Borne Disease in West Michigan

Warmer temperatures and longer warm seasons can increase the activity of mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases.

Protecting Yourself from Mosquito Bites

  • Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
  • Make sure your home has intact window and door screens.
  • Remove standing water around your home (buckets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, old tires) where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Limit outdoor activity when mosquito levels are high.

The Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provide updates on mosquito-borne disease activity each summer.

Water Quality, Flooding, and Safe Swimming

Heavy rain and flooding are expected to become more frequent and intense in Michigan. This can affect the safety of lakes, rivers, and pools used by Grand Rapids residents.

Natural Waterways and Beaches

Heavy rainfall can wash bacteria, chemicals, and debris into lakes and rivers. Warmer water can also increase the risk of harmful algal blooms.

To reduce your risk:

  • Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, or beaches right after heavy rainfall or flooding.
  • Look for water quality advisories from:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • Stay out of water that looks discolored, has surface scum, or smells unusual (possible blue-green algae).

Healthy Swimming in Pools

Hotter weather can increase pool use and the risk of pool-related infections.

Follow these tips:

  • Do not swim if you have had diarrhea in the last 14 days.
  • Shower and wash thoroughly (especially your bottom) before swimming.
  • Wash your hands well after using the toilet.
  • Avoid swallowing pool water.
  • Tell the pool operator if you become sick after swimming.

Air Quality, Allergies, and Asthma in Grand Rapids

Many factors affect the air we breathe, including traffic, industry, and weather patterns.

How Climate Change Affects Air Quality

  • Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particles.
  • Sunlight and heat can turn these pollutants into ground-level ozone, which:
    • Irritates the lungs
    • Triggers asthma attacks
    • Makes breathing harder for people with COPD or heart disease
  • Warmer, longer growing seasons can increase pollen production and extend allergy seasons in Michigan.

Pollen and Allergies

In Grand Rapids, grass, tree, and ragweed pollen can cause:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Worsening asthma symptoms
  • Eye and sinus irritation

To reduce your exposure:

  • Check local pollen forecasts (e.g., “Grand Rapids pollen count” via weather or allergy websites or apps).
  • Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, especially in the early morning.
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
  • Plan or postpone outdoor activities based on air quality and pollen levels.

Reducing Harm from Poor Air Quality

  • Check air quality forecasts for Grand Rapids (search “Air Quality Index Grand Rapids MI”).
  • On poor air quality days:
    • Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have asthma, COPD, or heart disease.
    • Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise.
    • Use air conditioning with clean filters if available.
  • Take all prescribed medications and follow your asthma or COPD action plan.

If you experience worsening breathing problems, chest pain, or severe wheezing, seek urgent care at a local facility such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Food Safety in Warmer Weather

Higher temperatures can increase the risk of food-borne illnesses like gastroenteritis caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.

To keep food safe:

  • Keep cold foods refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Cook meats to safe internal temperatures.
  • Avoid leaving food out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour on very hot days).
  • Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw foods.
  • Take extra care with outdoor picnics, barbecues, and summer celebrations around Grand Rapids parks and lakes.

Climate Change and Mental Health

Climate change can affect mental health in many ways:

  • Stress and anxiety about extreme weather events, flooding, or property damage
  • Depression or grief after losing a home, possessions, or a sense of safety
  • Financial stress due to job disruptions, home repairs, or higher utility costs

If you are struggling:

  • Talk with your primary care provider or local mental health professional.
  • Reach out to community resources in Grand Rapids, such as:
    • Network 180 (Kent County community mental health)
    • Local counseling services and support groups
  • Early support can make a significant difference in recovery and coping.

Actions You Can Take to Reduce Climate Impact and Improve Health

Individual choices in Grand Rapids can support both your health and the environment.

Use Active and Public Transport

  • Walk, bike, or use public transit (The Rapid) instead of driving when possible.
  • Benefits include:
    • Lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers
    • Improved fitness, mood, and sleep
    • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and better local air quality

Eat a More Plant-Rich Diet

  • Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
  • Limit highly processed and high-sugar foods and drinks.
  • Choose smaller portions of red and processed meats.

Health benefits:

  • Better weight management
  • Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers

Environmental benefits:

  • Lower emissions from food production
  • Less packaging waste
  • Reduced energy and water use

Drink Tap Water

Grand Rapids is known for high-quality treated drinking water sourced from Lake Michigan.

  • Choose tap water instead of bottled water or sugary drinks.
  • It is:
    • Better for your health
    • Much cheaper
    • Better for the environment (less plastic waste)

If you have concerns about your tap water or use a private well, contact the Kent County Health Department for guidance.

Cool and Heat Your Home Efficiently

Michigan’s climate requires both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Efficient use can:

  • Keep you comfortable year-round
  • Lower your energy bills
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Tips include:

  • Improve insulation and seal drafts
  • Use programmable thermostats
  • Choose energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems
  • Use fans to support cooling and reduce reliance on air conditioning

Local programs and utilities in the Grand Rapids area sometimes offer energy-efficiency rebates or home assessments.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you have health concerns related to climate change, or want to prepare your household:

  • Your Primary Care Provider / GP

    • First point of contact for heat-related illness, breathing problems, allergies, and mental health concerns.

  • Major Health Systems

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – multiple locations in Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health (now part of Trinity Health)

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Information on:
      • Heat advisories and cooling centers
      • Mosquito and tick-borne disease
      • Water safety, flooding, and food safety
      • Air quality and local public health alerts

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids

    • Updates on emergency management, flooding, and environmental health.

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and
    Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

    • Statewide information on climate impacts, air and water quality, and health guidance.

Key Points

  • Climate change is already affecting health in Grand Rapids through hotter summers, more intense storms, changing air quality, and shifting seasons.
  • Children, pregnant people, older adults, those with chronic illness, and people with limited resources are at higher risk.
  • Practical steps—staying cool in heat, protecting against mosquitoes, swimming safely, monitoring air quality, and handling food safely—can reduce health risks.
  • Lifestyle choices like active transport, plant-rich eating, drinking tap water, and energy-efficient home use support both personal health and the environment.
  • Local healthcare providers and public health agencies in Grand Rapids are important partners in staying healthy in a changing climate.