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OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 9, 2022/CNW/ – Climate change is a real problem. This crisis has already caused extreme heat waves that have claimed many lives and is increasing the risk of flooding and other respiratory illnesses such as asthma for Canadians. Bold, urgent action is not only needed – the science is clear that it will make a real difference. Many of these health impacts can be prevented by scaling up efforts to adapt to climate change in an intersectional manner—both in Canadian society at large and in health systems. Strong adaptation measures can reduce potential health effects and make facilities and health systems more resilient to climate changes.
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos is Minister of Health and the Honourable Carolyn BennettToday, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the Associate Minister Health announced the release Health of Canadians: Advancing Our Knowledge for Action which will help inform policy development focused on protecting Canadians from the effects of climate change.
This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the most recent research on climate-related hazards. It includes extreme heat events, wildfires and floods as well as ice storms. This report also details the rising risks from infectious diseases as well as climate impacts on food safety and security. This report also contains new information on Indigenous health effects, mental health equity and health system resilience that was not included in previous assessment reports.
The Government of India will benefit from the report’s findings. Canada and other decision makers be more prepared for the health effects of climate change and take action to reduce risks as well as to empower individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones.
In developing the report, Health Canada engaged experts from academic, government, and non–governmental organizations across Canada, who assessed and synthesized knowledge from peer–reviewed literature, government reports, and Indigenous-led studies.
This report is part of CanadaIn a Changing Climate: Advance our Knowledge for ActionNatural Resources Canada leads the collaborative national assessment process. This provides the foundation for the ambitious actions needed as the federal government develops. Canada’sNational Adaptation Strategy.
Quotes
“Climate change continues its negative impact on the health and wellbeing Canadians, but we know that some communities may be more vulnerable than others. The report’s findings on Indigenous health impacts, mental health, and health equity will help us ensure that our adaptation strategies work efficiently and are equitable. I want to thank all the experts who contributed to this new knowledge, which will inform our government’s actions on climate change adaptation.
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
“It is evident that climate change concerns have increased stress on the mental health of Canadians. With more than 7 million Canadians suffering from mental illness every year and over half reporting that their mental health has deteriorated in the past year, our government will continue working with all jurisdictions. CanadaAs we combat the climate emergency, to increase access to mental healthcare services for Canadians. This report clearly shows that more must be done. We are committed to supporting Canadians in the face of the adverse effects caused by climate change.
Carolyn Bennett, Honourable
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Ministry of Health
“Climate Change is not just an environmental problem, but it also magnifies existing inequalities across Indigenous communities. The climate change impacts continue to be a threat to Indigenous Peoples’ safety, security, and well-being. Indigenous Peoples have a spiritual connection with the land and their traditional knowledge and input is essential for advancing climate change adaptation measures that will protect Indigenous communities against climate hazards.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
“The science is clear—climate change is increasing risks to our country’s health systems. We must take urgent and bold adaptation actions to protect Canadians’ health and build resilience to the effects of climate change on our health systems. This report will provide information. Canada’sThe National Adaptation Strategy will be released in this year.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources
“This report makes it clear that climate change is causing rising costs to our economy, our health, and the environment. The costly impacts of climate change are driving changes across society – from how we build our communities, to how global markets operate, how we travel, and how we protect public health. Canadais a leader in this global movement. Our Government has an ambitious plan for pollution reduction and we are currently developing a National Adaptation Strategy that will better protect our communities.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Farmers have made significant progress in sustainable agriculture and take good care of their land. It is time to double down to increase our resilience to climate change and achieve our emission reduction goals. This is what consumers need and where our trading partner are going. Our Government invested over half a million dollars in new programs to assist farmers in adopting sustainable practices and clean technology. Through the Strengthened climate Plan and the Food Policy CanadaWe are committed to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the climate resilience of our food system, both today and for future generations.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Honourable
Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food
Quick Facts
- Adaptation refers to adapting our actions, behaviours, and decisions to account for climate changes. Adaptation can be done before or after we feel the effects of climate change.
- Seniors, children, racialized populations, low-income individuals, individuals with chronic health conditions, and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples often experience greater health impacts of climate change.
- Future financial costs will rise despite greater adaptation due to the high cost of mental illness in society and the wide range of mental health effects related to climate change.
- Climate change is predicted to impact global food availability. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and extreme weather could all directly affect crops and decrease yields.
- Climate change is affecting many Indigenous communities’ access to fresh water and traditional foods. This has a significant impact on their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It also contributes to the destruction and denigration in cultures, knowledge, and ways of living. Indigenous Peoples are leaders in climate adaptation policy, research, and advocacy. They work with partners to adapt their communities to climate change.
- Climate change is affecting the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases. Canada. Climate warming is responsible for the rapid emergence and spread of Lyme disease. Canadasuitable for ticks with the disease.
- Climate change poses increasing risks to the health system CanadaThese can cause disruptions to care and services that Canadians require during extreme weather or natural disasters.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions in and outside the health sector can have important long-term and immediate co-benefits for your health. The economic value of these co-benefits can offset the costs of implementation.
Similar Products
Backgrounder: Health of Canadians: Advancing Our Knowledge for Action
Additional Links
Map of Adaptation Activities
Canadian Centre for Climate Services
CanadaIn a Changing Climate: Advance our Knowledge for Action
Canada’sA strengthened climate plan: Healthy environment and a healthy economy
Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
SOURCE Health Canada
Contact Marie-France Proulx at the Office of Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health, 613-957-0200 Maja Staka at the Office of Carolyn Bennett Minister of Mental Health and Addictions (613-957-0200) Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983 [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709
