Preventing health problems associated with climate change
Preventing health problems associated with climate change
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Description
Climate change affects temperature and increases the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and floods. These changes impact public health in numerous ways. Here are a few suggestions to help prevent these health problems.
Find cool areas
Extreme heatcan cause significant health problems. Certain areas of a city have a higher maximum temperature than other areas. These are called “urban heat islands.” The difference between the temperatures of these islands and those of rural areas and neighbouring forests can reach 12°C.
Several factors can cause the formation of urban heat islands:
Human factors:
Greenhouse gas emissions from factories, buildings and cars
A lack of vegetation
Size of the city
Asphalt roads and parking lots (the dark colour attracts heat, etc.)
Natural factors:
Temperature
Humidity
Wind
As such, during periods of oppressive and extreme heat, it is best to find cooler areas:
Outdoors: parks, bathing areas
Indoors: cool or air-conditioned areas, such as shopping centres and libraries
Numerous measures are in place to create cool areas and counter the effects of urban heat islands. For example, cities plant trees and establish green spaces in order to create cool areas near some hot spots.
Extreme heat can cause significant health problems.
Protect yourself from oppressive and extreme heat
During periods of oppressive heat, you can take precautions to protect yourself, such as staying hydrated and dressing appropriately. For more advice, consult Preventing the effects of oppressive and extreme heat.
Protect yourself from the sun and UV rays
On warmer days, people spend more time outdoors and are more exposed to the sun. Make sure you protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses. For more information on how to protect yourself from the sun and UV rays, and to know the effects of tanning on your skin, consult Protection from the sun and UV rays.
Prevent the health effects of smog
Smog can cause various respiratory problems, even in healthy individuals. During periods of smog, avoid intense outdoor physical activity. Vulnerable people should stay indoors. These people include:
Children
Seniors
People with respiratory problems
People suffering from or who have had cardiovascular problems
People involved in outdoor activities or those who work outdoors regularly
Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Climate change is attributable to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions that has occurred over the past decades. Reducing these emissions will prevent even greater deterioration of the temperature and an increase in extreme weather events. You can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by doing the following:
Use public transit, carpool, get around by bike or on foot
Buy small cars that consume less gas and require fewer raw materials to manufacture and function
Buy local products, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions caused by the transportation of goods, etc.
Useful websites
Mon climat, ma santé (My Climate, My Health) Institut national de santé publique du Québec (in French only)
Mon climat et moi (My Climate and I) Fondation Monique-Fitz-Back (in French only)