Climate change has the potential to significantly affect human health and well-being in Canada. Some key concerns include an increase in illness and premature deaths from temperature stress, air pollution, and increases in the emergence and persistence of infectious diseases. The effects of climate-related natural hazards and extreme events on both physical safety and mental health are another concern. Communities in northern Canada will face additional issues resulting from the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. Although there will likely be some benefits, such as a decrease in cold-weather mortality, negative impacts are expected to prevail. The impacts will be greatest on the more vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly, children, the infirm and the poor.

Adaptation will be necessary to reduce health-related vulnerabilities to climate change. Some adaptation initiatives include the development of vaccines for emerging diseases, public education programs aimed at reducing disease exposure and transmission, and improved disaster management plans. The implementation of early warning systems for extreme heat is another effective adaptation strategy. Successful adaptation will require coordinated efforts among different groups and the consideration of climate change in health care decision making.