Government of Canada Announces New Projects that Will Help Reduce the Health Impacts of Climate Change

OTTAWA, /CNW/ - Climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. The impacts of climate change are presently being felt throughout Canada, posing significant risks to the health and well-being of Canadians. To mitigate the impact climate change has on human health, the Government of Canada has been working closely with its partners in supporting and implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and is committed to building and increasing access to infectious diseases science, expertise, education and awareness.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced an investment of $1.7 million over the next two years for 8 projects that will help improve the health of Canadians in our changing climate. Funded projects will enhance surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases linked to climate change as well as implement education and awareness activities across the country so that Canadians are informed about health risks and prevention strategies. Funding is provided through the Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund which is now accepting proposals from interested applicants for future funding opportunities.

Established in 2017, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund is providing up to $2 million annually over the next 11 years to help understand the impact of climate-driven infectious diseases on the health and well-being of Canadians.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada continues to invest in projects that will advance understanding, knowledge and awareness of the impacts of climate change on human health. By working together with governments, universities, health professional organizations and communities, we will be in a better position to understand the risks and take the appropriate measures to prevent illness.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

“There are currently gaps in knowledge that exist related to infectious diseases caused by changes in water, food, mosquitoes and ticks as a result of climate change. These 8 projects will help Canadians and our communities prepare and make informed decisions to protect themselves given the changing climate.”

Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

Quick Facts

• Eight new IDDCF projects, totaling $1.7M are being announced today. An additional five IDDCF projects related to Lyme disease were previously announced on October 18, 2018, totaling $1.25 million.
• There is a clear scientific consensus that the world’s climate is changing, largely as a result of human activities, and that this will bring about changes in weather conditions and other natural systems.
• Climate change is anticipated to result in generally warmer temperatures, shorter and milder winters, longer and hotter summers, and more frequent and more intense severe weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, wildfires, floods and droughts.
• The implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) was released by Premiers in 2016 and developed in collaboration with the provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations and stakeholders.
• The PCF outlines actions Canada will undertake to help achieve its international commitments (Paris Agreement) and outlines actions F/P/T governments will undertake to help Canadians adapt and be more resilient. Addressing climate change-related health risks is included as a key area for action under the Adaptation and Climate Resilience pillar of the Framework.

Associated Links

Backgrounder: The Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund

Lyme Research Network

Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund

Climate change and public health fact sheets

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada