Climate change is impacting people’s health in the north, health authorities say
Seven health units in northern Ontario collaborated recently on a report about the effects of climate change on people's health in the region.
With more than 800,000 people living in northern Ontario, the new 43-page report released on Tuesday -- ‘Climate Change and Health in Northern Ontario’ -- said all of us are being affected by climate change.
The Timiskaming Health Unit said global warming and the speed the region is heating up are concerning."It is particularly concerning in northern Ontario and we do seem to have a little bit more information right now on extreme heat,” said Maria McLean, of the Timiskaming Health Unit.
“Global heating is occurring at twice to three times the global average in the north and this rapid heating in the north has consequences for the north and for the health here."
Timiskaming’s top doctor, Doctor Glenn Corneil, told CTV News that the continued rise in temperatures will lead to health risks for some people.
"We're at risk of seeing more people coming to emergency departments with consequences of dealing with the heat, specifically with the elderly and the very young,” said Corneil.
On top of being affected by extreme heat, Mclean said the report also breaks down how this region is affected by extreme weather events, food and water access and quality, vector borne disease along with mental health impacts.
"We need to work towards adapting to changes in climate. Even if we were to have really great mitigation plans in place to reduce global heating in general,” said McLean.
“There is still going to be climate change impacts from the amount of heating that has already occurred. So regarding the mitigation, which is an important piece, planning and support is still very important.”
As for next steps, health unit officials told CTV News northerners need to adapt to best cope with climate change.
You can find the full report here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.