Climate Change, Vulnerability & Health Equity in Canada: Understanding Linkages to Inform Adaptation

Date: January 23 2020

Presenters:

• Peter Berry, Senior Policy Analyst, Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Safe Environments Directorate,
  Health Canada
• Rebekka Schnitter, Policy Analyst, Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada 

Current emissions of greenhouse gases put the world on track for warming of more than 2^oC, a level that increases the risk of potentially severe climate change impacts on health. Climate change is increasing risks to the health of Canadians, but not all populations and communities will be affected by climate change equally. Existing health inequities are exacerbated by climate change impacts and adaptations may inadvertently perpetuate inequities if broader social, political and economic factors are not considered. Information on the health risks to Canadians from climate change and a new framework for understanding intersecting vulnerabilities that is being developed for the next national climate change and health assessment are discussed in this presentation.