Climate change will affect the health of people living in Metro Vancouver directly (e.g. air quality, flood or extreme weather events) and indirectly (e.g. food security, chronic stress and health conditions). Local governments, residents, and businesses are preparing to respond to emergencies like wildfires, flooding, storms and droughts.
Some populations will be more vulnerable than others. For example, the very young, the elderly, or people with underlying health issues can be more vulnerable to heat or smoke exposure. Lower income households will have less protection from extreme weather events and few resources to recover. Some neighbourhoods have fewer green spaces or air conditioned community spaces, which provide relief in hot weather.
Developing a roadmap
Metro Vancouver is working with municipal jurisdictions, partners and other groups to develop a roadmap for human health and well-being in this region.
Through regional planning and coordination, Metro Vancouver can support residents, business and member jurisdictions in preparing for the changing climate. Through planning, designing and investing, we’ll ensure Metro Vancouver’s operations and assets are resilient to the changing climate.
If you are unable to find the information you need, please email the project team at climate2050@metrovancouver.org.
Interested to participate? Metro Vancouver is hosting a human-health and well-being symposium to discuss approaches to improving health impacts from climate change in the region.
Register for the symposium