Strengthening health-focused climate adaptation in Canada: Barriers and interventions

Abstract

Climate change poses a dire threat to human health. Within Canada, extreme heat events are contributing to cardiovascular disease, poor air quality is causing respiratory distress, and changing precipitation patterns are resulting in the spread of vector-borne illness. To minimize these negative health outcomes, adaptation strategies targeted to protecting health are essential. Yet, despite a recognition of this need across levels of government, health-focused adaptation efforts have been slow to progress. The aim of this short viewpoint paper is to provide a primer for decision makers. Researchers within the public health and environmental science fields have identified several barriers that contribute to this lag in progress, including a lack of understanding within the general public regarding the health risks of climate change, and confusion over jurisdiction and responsibility. Shifting community perceptions and improving intergovernmental coordination may help reduce these barriers, and therefore support Canadians to become more resilient to climate change moving forward.