Climate change influences how we live. As environments become more extreme, you may encounter more complex health challenges.
Heat and sun exposure
Climate change creates more extreme temperatures. Pollution thins the ozone layer, which contributes to heat and sun exposure. Understand what steps you can take to stay safe in extreme heat and in the sun.
HealthLinkBC Files are documents written by B.C. public health experts. Learn about heat and sun exposure:
- Heat related illness (HealthLinkBC #35)
- Heat-related illness in infants and young children (HealthLinkBC #35c)
- Ultraviolet radiation (HealthLinkBC #11)
Learn more about heat related illnesses:
- Sunburn
- Heat rash
- Heatstroke prevention: Acclimating to the heat
- Beat the heat
- Heatstroke prevention: What to wear
- Emergency first aid for heatstroke
- Heatstroke: Emergency symptoms
- Medicines that increase the chance for a heat-related illness
- Prickly heat rash
- Heat syncope (fainting)
Heart and lungs
Both heat stress and air pollution contribute to heart problems and stroke. Longer growing seasons and high carbon dioxide in the air contribute to increased pollen. This can worsen allergies and health issues like asthma.
Learn more about lung and heart health:
- Persons with cardiovascular conditions
- Stroke
- Lung and respiratory conditions
- Persons with lung conditions
Mental health
Extreme weather events, loss of homes, and displacement due to climate change can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
Learn how to prepare for mental health challenges and where to find support:
Useful resources
Provides evidence-based information on mental health challenges and where to access support in BC.
A source of information about stroke, heart disease, surgeries and treatments.
Provides evidence-based, user-friendly patient resources on lung health.
