Health Canada Outlines Negative Effects Of Climate Change, Urges Government To Take Action

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - An anticipated rise in health problems among Canadians, caused by climate change, has motivated Health Canada to urge the government to take immediate action.

In a 500-page report released Friday, the health agency forecasts more incidents of heat-related ailments, deaths due to outbreaks of infectious diseases unknown to the medical community, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.

According to the report, the global phenomenon has spurred swings in weather conditions, including droughts, violent storms, heat waves and cold spells. Heavy rainfall is expected to contaminate recreational and drinking water, which may lead to more cases of E. coli, typhoid outbreaks and other water-borne pathogens.

Polluted air, higher levels of ground-level ozone, and higher production of pollens and spores will worsen some medical conditions. Environmental changes could especially affect asthma and allergy sufferers. Poor air quality will likely trigger heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular ailments.

Health Canada identified communities in the north and senior citizens as the most vulnerable to climate change. These changes could result in more avalanches, landslides, food shortages and polluted drinking water. In 2005, people over 65 comprised 13 percent of Canada's population; this number is expected to increase to 25 percent by 2031.

Health Minister Tony Clement told media at the Conservative caucus retreat, "This report makes it clear that if you have had bad health outcomes now, you're likely to be more impacted by extreme weather events than if you're at the top of the health ladder."

He said the Harper government has so far spent $85.9 million on climate change adaptation programs. The climate report, prepared by over 140 experts, is slated for release in spring but was posted online Friday on Health Canada's website.