Climate change is likely to have an impact on human health. The most direct risk is heat stress. Increasing frequency and severity of heat waves may lead to more deaths and an increased occurrence of illness and exposure, especially among the very young and the elderly. Temperatures are likely to be higher in the major centres, and the heat can be expected to lead to poorer air quality and increased urban smog.

Urban smog in Montréal (Virginie Zingraff)

Ragweed (ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation)

• Respiratory disorders and allergy problems may worsen as a result of increased heat and humidity, and declining air quality (higher levels of dust, pollen, and moulds) in some areas.
• Extreme weather events could result in more deaths, injuries, and stress-related disorders. Infectious diseases may extend their range northward into Canada, making it necessary to increase control measures.
• Infectious diseases may extend their range northward into Canada, making it necessary to increase control measures.
• Health disorders related to environmental contamination by bacteria, viruses, and parasites are also likely to increase with climate change. Both water contamination and problems with the food supply are concerns.

Did you know?
The fire-starting liquid used to light barbecues is an overlooked source of volatile chemicals that undermine air quality.

Did you know?
One third of greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec are the direct result of human activities.

Rush-hour traffic (Transports Québec)