Health Department releases first of seven reports on local health impacts of climate change

Whitby, Ontario - Climate change is affecting the safety, health and quality of life of all people in Durham Region, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and other Indigenous Peoples with whom we share these lands. To help learn, prepare and act against hazards associated with climate change, Durham Region Health Department has completed the first report in a special series entitled, Climate Change and Health in Durham Region, available at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth.

The first report, Understanding the Local Health Impacts of Climate Change, is an essential background primer that explores current and future health impacts of climate hazards, key factors for assessing climate vulnerability and why some people face greater health risks from the impacts of climate change compared to others.

The report also emphasizes the importance of an equity-focussed approach when assessing and addressing climate vulnerabilities and identifies key local environmental and community features which can affect local health impacts from climate change.

“Although Durham Region is already experiencing the effects of climate change, most residents do not believe they will be harmed by it. Actions taken today will help to protect the health and well-being of our communities, now and in the future,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health.

“With equity and inclusion at its centre, these assessments will be used to support how health systems, municipalities, community organizations and residents plan and respond to the growing impacts of climate change and ensure collective actions are taken to protect all residents.”

Local climate-related health hazards include extreme heatwaves, wildfire smoke and flooding. Research has found that not everyone is affected equally by climate hazards. Climate vulnerability depends on the degree of exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt to a climate hazard.

People who generally face greater climate-related health risks include adults over 65, children and youth, Indigenous Peoples, racialized populations, people with disabilities, people who are pregnant, residents of remote communities, individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and people with pre-existing health challenges.

Some area residents may experience multiple compounded risk factors such as older age, food insecurity and isolation, making climate change a possible “threat multiplier”, worsening existing health inequities while creating the conditions for new ones to emerge.

"Climate change has a profound impact on the emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health of First Nation peoples, including our community members at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN),” said MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca. “We are proud to collaborate with the Health Department on the Climate Change Health Vulnerability Assessment. This partnership will help deliver First Nation-specific health services, identify gaps, and implement effective climate change mitigation measures."

“We know that climate change is already impacting Durham Region as we’re seeing increased incidences of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and windstorms, which are creating health risks for vulnerable members of our communities,” said Ian McVey, Durham Region’s Manager of Sustainability. “The climate and health vulnerability assessments play an essential role in helping us understand these current and future health impacts so we can plan and implement effective risk reduction measures.”

In the coming months, this primer report will be followed by six climate change and health vulnerability assessments including reports focussed on: extreme heat; ultra-violet radiation; vector-borne diseases; air quality; extreme weather; and food and water impacts.

To read the first report in this series or download a copy, visit durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth. For more information about Health Department programs focused on the environment and health visit durham.ca/EnvironmentAndHealth.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.