Researchers at George Mason University in Washington reveal that the majority of health department directors believed that threats such as heat waves or heat-related illnesses, reduced air quality and reduced water quality or quantity were most likely to become more common or severe as a result of climate change.

The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, also suggests most survey respondents felt that the personnel in their health department -- and other key stakeholders in their community -- had a lack of knowledge about climate change and that little help was currently available from state and federal public health officials. The study also suggest that they needed additional funding, staff and staff training to respond effectively to climate change.

"The reason why so many Americans view climate change as a threat to other species rather than as a threat to people may be in part because health professionals have been largely silent on the issue," Edward Maibach, director of the Center for Climate Change Communication, said in a statement.