Climate change affects the environment by increasing extreme weather events, impacting conditions like outdoor temperatures and air quality.
Extreme heat
A changing climate can mean longer and more intense heat events that can be dangerous for your health.
Learn more about staying safe during hot weather:
- Safety for the perinatal population during extreme heat (HealthLinkBC File #35a)
- Safety for infants and young children during extreme heat (HealthLinkBC File #35b)
- Sun safety for children (HealthLinkBC Files #26)
- Heat related illnesses
Extreme cold
Climate change causes changes to normal weather patterns, meaning cold weather events can be likely in some areas. Extreme cold affects those who live outdoors, those who spend time outside during winter.
Learn more about the impacts of cold weather:
- Your health this winter
- Cold temperature exposure
- Cold exposure: ways the body loses heat
- Cold exposure: what increases your risk of injury?
- Cold exposure: emergency equipment
- Dry skin and itching
- Hypothermia and cold temperature exposure
Wildfires
Climate change impacts increasing temperatures and more unpredictable weather conditions. This can lead to changes in rain and lightning patterns, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Learn about how this can impact you:
- Wildfires and your health
- Breathing smoke or fumes
- Wildfire: Its effects on drinking water quality (HealthLinkBC File #49f)
- Caring for seniors in residential care in an emergency (HealthLinkBC File #103c)
- Community evacuation information for seniors (HealthLinkBC File #103a)
Atmospheric rivers and floods
Climate change is increasing the frequency of events like atmospheric rivers and flooding. These events can lead to contamination of drinking water, spread mold and infections, and impact well water.
Learn more about responding to flooding events:
- Flooding and your health
- Clean-up after a flood
- Seniors as emergency response volunteers
- Waterborne diseases
Air quality
Climate change events like wildfires and flooding can cause changes to air quality.
Learn about how air quality can impact your health:
Useful resources
Tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from the health impacts of extreme heat.
Learn about the current wildfire situation in your area, and how to prepare for impacts.
Get information on how air pollution happens, air pollutants and the impact of poor air quality on your health.
