May 12, 2004

Climate change and human health: New Pollution Probe primer shows health impacts of global warming

(Toronto, ON) — Pollution Probe has released a new report on Climate Change and Human Health.

The report, seventh in a series of primers on topical environmental issues and solutions, tells Canadians about the health consequences of climate change. A number of threats to human health are identified, including more frequent temperature and weather extremes, longer and more damaging air pollution episodes, contamination of food and water supplies, new vector-borne and rodent-borne infectious diseases, and increased depletion of the Earth's protective ozone layer.

Scientists have determined that the air at the Earth's surface has warmed by approximately 0.6 degrees C since the late 19th century. Most experts agree that average global temperatures will rise by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees C over the next century. Increasing temperatures will also lead to changes in many aspects of weather, such as wind patterns, the amount and type of precipitation, and the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. These changes could have far-reaching health, environmental, social and economic consequences.

The primer deals with the health consequences of climate change and what people can do to protect themselves. It discusses the climate change impacts that are being projected across Canada and the actions being taken by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help Canadians adapt. Helpful suggestions are given on what people can do to reduce their personal emissions of the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change.

"Canadians are increasingly concerned about the urgency we face in dealing with climate change," said Ken Ogilvie, Pollution Probe's executive director. "Our new primer tells people what could happen and what they can do about it. It is a wake-up call for renewed commitment and action. After all, average temperatures during the last Ice Age were only 5 degrees C cooler than they are today. Any significant change in temperature can have major effects on global and local weather patterns and, through a variety of mechanisms, on human health."

"Climate change will affect our own health, the health of our children and well being of generations to come," said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. "That's why the Government of Canada is encouraging all Canadians to take action on climate change by taking the One-Tonne Challenge, and reducing their annual greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne, or about 20 percent." 

Pollution Probe's educational primers are all available electronically at www.pollutionprobe.org/Publications/Primers.htm.

The Government of Canada supported the preparation of the primer on Climate Change and Human Health through the Climate Change Action Fund. To learn more about what you can do to reduce your personal emissions of greenhouse gases, join the Government of Canada's One Tonne Challenge (see www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/english/).

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For More Information:

Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director
Pollution Probe
(416) 926-1907 x231
cell (416) 697-4277