Health Concerns Caused by Climate Change

Health Canada lists eight "significant" health concerns related to climate change, including:

1. Health affects from increased smog episodes;
2. Illnesses and deaths caused by heat and cold waves;
3. Water- and food-borne contamination;
4. Diseases transmitted by insects;
5. Health affects of stratospheric ozone depletion;
6. Extreme weather events.

Here is the article, followed by the web address for the article, which includes a chart with more detail on the health concerns and examples of health vulnerabilities.

Canada's Health Concerns from Climate Change and Variability

Canada's climate is being affected by increased levels of greenhouse gases caused by human activity.

Scientists, governments, international health and environmental organizations agree that climate change will affect the environment and human health and well-being.

Health Canada has identified eight significant health concerns related to climate change that cover a broad range. They include health effects from increased smog episodes, illnesses and deaths caused by heat and cold waves, water- and food-borne contamination, diseases transmitted by insects, health effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, and extreme weather events.

Some segments of our population will be affected to a greater degree: children, the elderly, the poor, disabled people, immigrant populations and Aboriginal people. We can also expect that the environmental changes brought by climate change will affect our communities' economy and quality of life. For example, severe weather events like a tornado or a flood can result in loss of income, productivity, increased stress for families, costs to health care and social services.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/climat/health_table-tableau_sante_e.html