Climate change is a growing health risk. Canada isn't ready.
Climate change is a growing health threat.
Canada isn’t ready.
2023 was the worst wildfire season in Canada’s history.
Every province and territory was affected.
It’s just one of the many climate shocks already affecting health and health workers.
And Canada is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet.
Current health threats may intensify.
Extreme heat can damage the brain, the central nervous system and other organs.
Climate-related anxiety and depression are increasing.
New threats may emerge.
The health workforce is already in crisis across the country.
About half of Canada’s health care facilities are more than 50 years old, – ill-equipped to operate through climate emergencies.
Our health system is part of the problem, accounting for more greenhouse gas emissions than aviation and shipping.
In fact, Canada is one of the worst health care polluters per capita. The system’s carbon footprint is equivalent to 500 coal-fired power plants.
We can do better.
The Canadian Medical Association is calling on the federal government to establish a Climate and Health Secretariat.
It would facilitate a pan-Canadian approach to the health impacts of climate change and work towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon health system.
One large-scale inspiration is England’s National Health Service.
It has cut emissions equivalent to powering more than one million homes.
A hospital in Birmingham performed the first net-zero surgery in 2022.
Canada must also adapt its health care system to the new reality we live in and mitigate climate change for a healthier future.
Our health system can be good for the planet and for patients.
Sign up for more information at cma.ca/climate
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