Air Quality, Health, and Climate Change

Climate Change and Air Quality

The threats of climate change and air pollution feed into one another in a dangerous loop. Emissions from industry and transportation increase the speed of climate change, which then exacerbates the amount and exposure of air pollutants in a vicious cycle. By highlighting these interactions, we can tackle solutions collaboratively and work to reduce these threats.

Global climate change alters ambient temperature. As these temperatures rise, humidity causes air to circulate. Warmer temperatures increase concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its circulation. These harmful pollutants harm our bodies by increasing the risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), ischaemic stroke, lung cancer and acute lower respiratory infections [1]. Communities with limited access to medical and social services are most vulnerable to these effects [2]. 

As witnessed summer after summer, Canadian forests and ecosystems suffer from devastating wildfires.

The research is very clear: through climate change and rising temperatures, the frequency of wildfires will only increase [4].

Fire physically alters forests and adjacent communities, and its smoke acutely increases air pollution and subsequent lung damage [6]. Wildfire smoke releases PM2.5 and other toxic substances that linger in communities for days to months, with hazards more common during heat waves and droughts [5]. 

As the lungs of the earth - the forests that cover our planet - suffer from wildfires, so do the lungs of the people in our communities

Research shows that children, pregnant women, older adults and those with pre-existing lung and heart conditions are significantly more at risk of climate-related illness through air pollution [9]. People in neighbourhoods and communities with low socioeconomic status may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to underlying health problems, poor nutrition and stress.

In Canada, tuberculosis rates are four times higher among Métis people, 57 times higher among First Nations people living on reserve, 24 times higher among First Nations people living off reserve, and 284 times higher among Inuit compared to Canadian-born non-Indigenous people [8]. These existing health inequities can compound the health risks related to climate change impacts on air quality. 

What can be done? Health Co-Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The rapid rate of global climate change and diminishing opportunity to keep warming below 1.5°C (IPCC, 2018) means nations must act urgently to prepare for impacts on health and the environment. By addressing air pollution through a climate lens we can work to slow the impacts of climate change, prepare for health effects and tackle social and economic challenges.

In 2022 Health Canada led the release of  “Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate : Advancing our health for action” to assess the risks posed by climate change to the health of Canadians and to the health care system.  The report highlights the intersections between a changing climate, air pollution and health, as well as the co-benefits of tackling these problems across sectors. For example, reducing fossil fuel use and greening communities through walk and bike paths can improve air quality by reducing fine particulates (soot and ground-level ozone) which in turn reduces cardiovascular and respiratory disease while improving mental health, which also reduces social isolation and crime [7].

The Non-Profit Sector Needs Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

Civil society and NGOs specifically have the power to influence the reduction of pollution by advocating for sustainable and renewable energy as well as health and social benefits and safeguards to the government (federal, provincial, municipal), to industries and the general public.

Increasing air quality and collaboration between sectors can begin within our networks advocating and practicing clean energy, as well as communicating these co-benefits through a climate, economic and social lens. NGOs can really use their strengths and participate in campaigns, public events and political rallies that aim to increase air quality for communities across Canada and within their platforms to advocate and mobilize on these important issues.