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Climate change is a global issue that has different impacts around the world. In general, the faster the climate changes, the greater the risk of damage.

Climate change is more than a warming trend. It's a change in all aspects of weather, including temperature, wind patterns and precipitation that could have far-reaching consequences and implications for our environment, economy and society.

Over the past years, Canadians have begun to notice some indications of climate change: Melting permafrost in the north, increasing bad air quality days, declining water levels in our lakes and rivers, and more extreme weather events, such as droughts, ice storms and floods.

A natural system known as the "greenhouse effect" regulates the temperature on earth. Human activities release significant quantities of greenhouse gases that can disrupt the balance of this system and increase the temperature on earth. Because we burn fossil fuels to heat our homes, run our cars, produce electricity, and manufacture all sorts of products, we are adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Climate change can affect health in many ways. It affects the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil our food comes from.

In addition to affecting the health of individuals, climate change can have wide ranging effects on our environment, including our water resources, fisheries, forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. Climate change also has a social impact, and some groups are more at risk than others. These groups include:

• Children
• Seniors
• People who are chronically ill
• People living on low incomes
• People with disabilities
• Northern communities

For example, hotter summers could result in more heat-related deaths among people who cannot afford air-conditioning. Reduced access to health and social services caused by natural disasters, such as floods or ice storms, would also have the greatest impact on these more vulnerable groups. Melting permafrost in the north could damage roads, pipelines and other infrastructure that people depend on for food, clean water and medical supplies.

The impact of climate change could also be damaging for Canadians whose livelihoods depend on natural resources. For example, infestations of insects due to changing weather conditions could destroy crops, while changing water levels would affect fisheries.

In April 2005, the Canadian government published a comprehensive plan to provide tools and incentives to secure a healthy environment within a strong, growing economy.

Health Canada's Policy Primer on Climate Change, Health and Well-Being provides information on how communities can minimize the effects of climate change on health.

We can all help to reduce greenhouse gases. Did you know that on average, each Canadian generates just over five tonnes of greenhouse gases per year? We do this when we drive our cars, heat and cool our homes, wash and dry our clothes and use other appliances.

By making simple choices at home, at work or on the road, you can save energy and reduce green house gas emissions.

At home: Plant a tree in your yard Make recycling a priority Use a hand-operated rather than a power-operated lawn mower Avoid taking very hot and very long showers Turn off the television set, the computer or any other appliance when you have finished with it Use the dishwasher only when it is full … and use the economy cycle Avoid overloading the refrigerator Use the microwave rather than a conventional oven Wash your clothes in cold water Buy energy-efficient electrical appliances Turn down the heat at night and when there is no one at home Buy products wrapped in reusable material Refit old houses in a energy efficiency way Buy an R-2000 house

At work: Buy energy-efficient printers, computers and photocopiers Turn on your monitor's energy-saving functions Turn off your computer at the end of your workday On the road: Use your car less Use ethanol blend gasoline Ride a bicycle, take the bus or join a car pool Reduce idling Observe the speed limit Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle

There are practical things you can do to protect your family and yourself against:

Air pollution:

• Check notices on air quality distributed through the media in your region
• Reduce outdoor activity when such notices are issued

Heat waves:

• Children and seniors should stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.
• Go outside when the temperature is coolest — early in the morning or late in the evening

Insects and parasites:

• Remove all sources of stagnant water on your property
• Apply an insect repellent registered for use in Canada when you go outside
• Wear light-coloured protective clothing
• Ensure door and window screens are firmly in place and have no holes

Excessive ultraviolet radiation (UV rays):

• Check the UV Index for your region
• Stay in the shade
• Cover children's heads, necks and ears with a wide-brimmed hat
• Protect children less than one year of age from direct sunlight
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more
• Wear sun glasses with protection against both UVA and UVB rays

Extreme weather conditions:

• Check reports of extreme weather phenomena in your region
• Keep canned foods, bottled water, candles and matches, a first-aid kit and a radio with new batteries on hand

Just as countries around the world have recognized the urgent need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to address the climate change challenge, we must all do our fair share. Our long-term health depends on it.