Adapting to Climate Change

All levels of government will need to work together and with public health organizations, communities and interest groups, businesses, and public health practitioners to address the impacts of climate change on health. Health Canada is working in partnership to better understand the various strategies, measures and actions that contribute to our ability to deal effectively with the effects of our climate and climate variability on our communities. Applying appropriate risk management principles, tools, and measures can reduce current and future vulnerability to climate variability and change.

All levels of decision-makers, from the individual to the community leaders and the federal government, need to examine how a different climate may affect their activities, the infrastructure and the environment that we rely upon.

Adaptative policy development should be based on sound knowledge of the impacts of climate change, of the vulnerability and sensitivity of Canadians to it, and should be effective in reducing the risks.

An effective response to climate change will require an integrated effort between different disciplines and interest groups. The opportunity exists to make progress today in a manner that is affordable and that is protective of human health & well-being.

Last Revised: July 11, 2005