2017_lancet_canada_brief-d5b350a3c2f6d2aa.pdf

The document outlines the intersection of climate change and public health in Canada, highlighting risks such as extreme heat, wildfires, and food insecurity, particularly in the Arctic and among Indigenous populations. It advocates for a rapid phase-out of coal-powered electricity by 2030, the implementation of a National Active Transport Strategy, and the integration of Health Impact Assessments into federal environmental processes to mitigate health risks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Climate change is identified as the "biggest global health threat of the 21st century," with the 2017 Lancet Countdown report stating that human symptoms are "unequivocal and potentially irreversible" and will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.
• Canada faces diverse regional health risks from climate change, including increased heat-related illness, respiratory issues from wildfire smoke, and food insecurity in the Arctic due to decreased access to traditional foods. The Mackenzie Valley in the Northwest Territories is noted as a global warming hotspot, with Inuvik's temperatures rising by 3°C over 50 years.
• The document recommends phasing out coal-powered electricity in Canada by 2030 or sooner, replacing at least two-thirds with non-emitting sources. An accelerated phase-out could yield an additional $5 billion in air pollution-related health benefits and reduce GHGs by 31 Mt/year by 2030.
• Sustainable transport is promoted as a high-yield policy opportunity to reduce emissions and cardiovascular mortality. The brief calls for a National Active Transport Strategy and notes that Canadian cities, including Vancouver, have lower sustainable travel rates compared to international examples like Berlin or Tokyo.
• Telehealth and telecommuting are highlighted for their potential to reduce healthcare sector emissions. A study in Ontario estimated that 840 telemedicine consultations saved 185 tonnes of CO2 equivalents in vehicle emissions and $192,665.88 CAD in travel grant costs.
• The brief emphasizes the need to address the local health impacts of resource extraction on Indigenous communities, citing the Blueberry River First Nations case where 73% of traditional territory is within 250 metres of industrial disturbance. It recommends integrating Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) as a core component of the federal Environmental Assessment process.

APA

Howard, C., Rose, C., & Hancock, T. (2017). 2017_lancet_canada_brief-d5b350a3c2f6d2aa.pdf. Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2017_lancet_canada_brief.pdf#new_tab

Chicago

Howard, Courtney, Caren Rose, and Trevor Hancock. 2017_lancet_canada_brief-d5b350a3c2f6d2aa.pdf. Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, 2017. https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2017_lancet_canada_brief.pdf#new_tab.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Howard |first1=Courtney |last2=Rose |first2=Caren |last3=Hancock |first3=Trevor |title=2017_lancet_canada_brief-d5b350a3c2f6d2aa.pdf |publisher=Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment |date=2017 |url=https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2017_lancet_canada_brief.pdf#new_tab |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{howard20172017lancetcanadabriefd5b350a3c2f6d2aapdf, author = {Howard, Courtney and Rose, Caren and Hancock, Trevor}, title = {{2017\_lancet\_canada\_brief-d5b350a3c2f6d2aa.pdf}}, institution = {Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment}, year = {2017}, url = {https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2017_lancet_canada_brief.pdf#new_tab}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }