Climate change is a shift in weather patterns that is directly or indirectly caused by human activity. Climate change has an impact on the health of the population, notably by changing the composition of the air we breathe and influencing the temperature and frequency of certain weather events. They are in addition to natural climate change.
Numerous effects of climate change can already be seen in Québec:
An increase in the frequency of extreme weather events:
Heat waves (such as those experienced in southern Québec during the summer of 2010)
Periods of drought
Heavy rainfall
Floods (such as those experienced in the Montérégie in 2011)
Tornados
Forest fires
The disappearance of permanent sea ice in the Arctic Ocean during summer
The thawing of frozen subsoil (permafrost) in northern Québec, causing soil instability and numerous problems with buildings and infrastructure
In times of drought, some basic foods can be hard to find and therefore more expensive. Given the increased cost of groceries, it can be difficult for some people to buy the nutritious foods needed to maintain good health. Severe droughts are also a significant source of stress for agricultural workers.
Smog-related health problems
Polluted air that accumulates over cities (smog) can affect many people, even if they are healthy, including children and joggers and other athletes.
Smog can cause:
Irritation of the respiratory tract
Cough
Shortness of breath
Breathing problems
Consequences of an increase in pollen concentration on health
Climate change causes a rise in temperature and humidity, which increases the concentration of pollen in the air. Pollen is an allergen that causes seasonal rhinitis (hay fever). This allergic reaction can lead to several complications:
Chronic sinusitis
Symptoms of allergic asthma, such as coughing
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Animal, insect and tick-borne diseases
Climate change fosters the displacement of populations of animals, insects and ticks that carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. In Québec, such displacement increases the number of cases of:
The increase in average temperatures in Québec caused by climate change also influences our behaviour. By spending more time outdoors, many people are increasingly exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can lead to the following consequences:
Sunburns
Burns, sometimes up to second degree
Premature aging of the skin (wrinkles)
Brown spots on the skin
Damage to eyes, such as cataracts
Weakening of the immune system
Skin cancer
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)
Information on the website in no way replaces the opinion of a health professional. If you have questions concerning your health status, consult a professional.