Health Canada Report Shows Climate Change is Hurting Canadians Now
The report notes that without greater adaptation efforts, the
increasing frequency and severity of intense precipitation events, urban flood
risk, droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, and storms will cause more illness,
injuries, and deaths.
Health infrastructure, operations, health financing, health care, public health programming, supply chains, and the health workforce can be impacted by extreme weather events and by chronic stresses from longer-term warming, reducing access to, and the quality of, care for Canadians. Health facilities and services in rural and remote areas, and health systems that have not assessed and managed risks, face the greatest threats.
Some Canadians are affected more severely by climate change,
as exposure and sensitivity to hazards and the ability to take protective
measures varies. The report specifically notes the health impacts of climate
change on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples are far-reaching, with
disproportionate impacts on their communities. Food and water security and
safety, air quality, infrastructure, personal safety, mental health and
wellness, livelihoods, culture, and identity are all disproportionately
affected. The report says decision makers must pursue adaptation actions that
are inclusive and equitable.
If these negative health impacts are to be reduced, adaptation
measures must be substantially and rapidly scaled up.
The report also notes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions
can provide very large and immediate health co-benefits
If ever non-profits involved in health care, social services
or any related sector needed a reason to incorporate climate change into their
planning, this report is it.
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