Climate Change and Health in Canada

Ford, Lea Berrang

The risk of health impacts resulting from climate change are not restricted to within our national borders. The impact of climate change elsewhere, particularly in low and middle income nations, will influence the potential for imported infection to Canada. For example, the introduction and outbreak of SARS in Toronto in 2002 resulted in 438 cases, 44 deaths and significant economic losses (93, 94) . International travel may have been responsible for promoting the introduction of West Nile virus in North America (95) (96) (97) . Similarly, a Canadian outbreak of imported malaria in 1995-97 may have been brought to Canada via travelers arriving from the Punjab in India, where a large epidemic had occurred (63, (98) (99) (100) . More recently, concern regarding the potential spread or proliferation of avian influenza has highlighted the interconnected nature of national health to health conditions around the world. As such, the health impacts of climate change in Canada will be influenced by the health and response capacity of other nations from or to which Canadians, visitors or trade products travel. In this context, adaptation, preparedness and response resources may in some cases be most effectively and efficiently allocated through supporting health capacity in other countries. Increased interest and prioritization of health collaborations in Asia following the SARS outbreak provides a germane example of a developing awareness of such risk priorities.