Climate Change and Health and Well-Being: A Policy Primer

Managing the Risks to Human Health and Well-being from Climate Change

Adaptation to the health effects of climate change and variability involves the management of an inter-related set of risks. Of particular importance for decision makers is the identification of how vulnerable specific communities and regions of Canada are to the possible effects of climate change. This is a function of existing sensitivities (e.g., vulnerable populations) and of their adaptive capacity (e.g., resources, technology, knowledge, institutions, etc.). The risk management process provides a framework for selecting adaptation strategies which are best suited to a community';s infrastructure, operations, economies or populations.

Municipalities, with their high population densities and complex infrastructure are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to increases in climate-related disasters, as recent trends of rapidly increasing disaster losses in Canada (and worldwide) indicate. From 1960 to 1996 worldwide economic losses due to natural disasters jumped from $5 - $8 billion (US dollars) per year to $60 - $100 billion per year.⁵

At the local level where risk exists, or is perceived, and where there are concerns over vulnerabilities it may be prudent for key decision-makers to initiate a risk management process. This is especially needed where extreme weather-related disasters can result in large scale impacts on health & well-being, either through direct effects (e.g., injuries and deaths) or through indirect socio-economic impacts. To be better prepared for these and other climate change impacts such as increased smog and heat episodes, or incidences of infectious diseases which may affect vulnerable populations, municipalities should set objectives (including actions, measures, strategies and policies) that offset or reduce the effects and impacts of the changing climate.

Governments and firms routinely manage risks by reducing the vulnerabilities associated with climate change or uncertain events. Dams and flood control structures are designed for extreme rainfall patterns, sea walls are designed for extreme storm surges, crop insurance compensates for losses due to unusual weather conditions. Public health authorities specify immunization programs and other measures to limit the spread of communicable diseases, forest services use the available resources to minimize loss due to fires, and standards are established for automobiles and aircraft to manage the risks of accidents in harsh weather conditions.⁶ Policy makers must ensure that their strategies for reducing vulnerabilities are flexible enough to account for possibly significant changes in the climate system in the future. Public health policies informed by such approaches will be as protective of human health and well-being as is possible.

To facilitate the adoption of risk management approaches for climate change and health & well-being issues by government decision makers, Health Canada contracted an expert panel from the University of Ottawa to develop a formal risk management framework. The goal of the Health Canada Policy Framework for the Management of Global Climate Change Issues is to integrate the different scientific disciplines to guide Health Canada and its provincial, territorial and municipal partners in their risk management activities related to climate change and health and well-being. With resources from the Climate Change and Action Fund, a preliminary assessment report and a formal risk management framework have been developed. The framework will undergo further development to suit the needs of communities in Canada.

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