London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit released a report today that takes a close look at the vulnerability of the local community to the potential health challenges that climate change can present. After climate change was identified as a potentially significant local health hazard, the Health Unit worked with a team of researchers to assess the risk and provide guidance to address emerging health challenges related to climate. Entitled Assessment of Vulnerability to the Health Impacts of Climate Change in Middlesex-London, the new report was prepared for the Health Unit by Dr. Peter Berry and Jaclyn Paterson from Health Canada, and Chris Buse, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto.

Representatives from more than 20 local, provincial, national and international organizations were in attendance when the research results were presented for discussion at the Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Workshop, held in London in March.

The report concluded that climate change is leading to an increase in the health risks for London and Middlesex County residents and that actions are required to address the potential impact. The report also pointed to the region’s variable climate, that can include both severe cold snaps and extreme heat events, and which features warmer temperatures, drier summers and winters where more snow falls as rain, as important factors. The nearly 90-page document further states that without further emissions controls, this general warming is expected to lead to specific health risks, including more smog and pollution.

“This report is the first of its kind in Canada to be undertaken at the local level and it provides a clear picture of some of the challenges that lie ahead for our community in the coming years,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, who oversees the Health Hazard portfolio. “We now have data that establishes a benchmark and highlights how local residents are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This report is a roadmap that will guide our work and allow us to focus our energy where it is needed.”

The World Health Organization has called upon health agencies to determine the potential vulnerabilities and health concerns that may result from climate change and to take proactive steps to address them. The potential health effects of climate change present the Health Unit with an opportunity to work with local partners in an effort to prepare the community and residents for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Assessment of Vulnerability to the Health Impacts of Climate Change in Middlesex-London report is available online at: www.healthunit.com/climate-change.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health