In the lead-up to, and since the start of the election campaign, climate change is emerging as a key concern for Canadians. Climate change is more than just economics. In fact, it is emerging as a significant threat to public health, and we need to wake up quickly because our entire health system is at risk.
Let’s look at the facts: we know air pollution is a big culprit in cardiorespiratory illnesses. But did you know heat-related illnesses are a more common occurrence than ever before? And that burning of fossil fuels is responsible for 7,100 early deaths and $53.5 billion in health-related costs each year in Canada? What about the untold post-traumatic stress following frequent floodings and wildfires right across this country? We cannot escape it.
The accelerating rate of climate change means there is a sense of urgency for action everywhere. The UN Climate Action Summit in New York this week promises collective political ambition and movement in the real economy to support the summit’s objectives of the Paris Agreement. But is Canada really on board?
The 2018 Lancet Countdown Canadian indicators demonstrate Canada needs to step up in a significant way to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Canadians. Phasing out coal-powered electricity to drastically increase efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution is just a start. Also, we need to build in new health and economic opportunities in retraining workers in the fossil fuel industry.
But there is a crucial component of this action that revolves around health.
The next government of Canada, through local governments and national institutions, needs to modernize and standardize surveillance and reporting of illnesses and deaths caused or exacerbated by extreme weather events. Strategies need to be developed to inform Canadians about the threat of heatwaves to public health. Plans to minimize the health impact of increasing heat must be addressed as we anticipate worsening impacts to come as climate change progresses.
Chronic diseases cost Canada about $200 billion per year in health-related costs. By focusing on health prevention and investing in public transit, cycling and walking, we can easily save lives, reduce chronic diseases and health care costs while fighting climate change.
This year, the CMA conducted extensive consultation and polling with physicians and patients across the country. Almost unanimously, both health and climate change were ranked among the top priorities in their minds.
Health-care providers are on the front lines. Our patients’ health is impacted by extreme weather events. We know leveraging the potential of new, clean and emerging technologies will demonstrate a transformation of health care in line with sustainable development goals.
- We are calling on all federal political parties to bind these recommendations into their platforms:
- recognize and acknowledge the link between climate change and the health of Canadians;
- invest in adapting our health system and public health capacity to address the growing health impacts of climate change in Canada;
- implement a comprehensive plan so Canada meets our international climate change targets.
Physicians and their patients are rising to this challenge. We need our politicians to pull together and show leadership, deliver on a much needed strategy to combat climate change and its effects on the health of Canadians. Now is the time to put health back on the agenda. To learn more about how you can take action in this election, please visit our website.
Our health-care system is already over-burdened. Ongoing pressures will affect generations to come. Don’t waste this opportunity to improve your health and the health of your loved ones and future generations. The nature and scale of government and industry response to climate change will be the determining factor in shaping the health of our nation for centuries to come.
Dr. Sandy Buchman is the president of the Canadian Medical Association.
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