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Climate Change and Health Climate change is expected to have both direct and indirect impacts on human health. Direct Impacts Human health can be directly by manifestations of climate change such as extreme weather events (eg. Hurricanes) and thermal extremes (eg. Heat waves). Extreme weather brings with it risk of death or injury due to floods, storms or other disasters that may occur when populations are not prepared for such events. Around the world, humans have been able to adapt and thrive in a range of temperatures, but without acclimatization, vulnerable populations may suffer in the in the face of extreme changes in temperature. Indirect Impacts Climate change might influence exposure to air pollution which is linked to cardiorespiratory illnesses, in particular asthma. For example, changes in climate and weather patterns could lead to changes in local or regional pollution concentrations. Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in, or redistribution of, vector-borne diseases. Warmer temperatures expand the area and extend the seasons in which many diseases can be transmitted. Temperature also affects the rates of insect biting and the maturation of the micro-organisms that these insects carry. Changes in quality and quantity of water is another predicted impact of climate change that can affect human health. Increases in temperatures, prolonged summer seasons and drought or increased heavy rainfall could lead to changes to water levels and flows which in turn could lead to contamination of drinking water. For example, if sewer systems become overwhelmed with excess water during periods of heavy precipitation the introduction of contaminants into local water supplies could result and cause serious illness. Ecosystem changes throughout Canada can also impact upon nutritional health and food supplies. These changes can have both negative and positive impacts on local health status. Significant changes in water resources, food sources and other parts of specific ecosystems have been reported in parts of Labrador, for example. These changes could impact the availability and health of food species and plants in the region, as well as on the ability to access these foods. Vulnerable sectors of society such as low income groups and First Nations will be especially at risk for deteriorating nutritional health. There may also be changes to community health and well-being through such socio-economic impacts as social disruption, increased stresses on the health sector or loss of income and productivity.
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