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The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) argues that Canada's post-COVID-19 economic recovery should prioritize decarbonization to protect human health and ensure economic stability. The report outlines a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, projecting that meeting climate targets would save approximately 112,000 lives between 2030 and 2050 due to air quality improvements and increase clean jobs from 210,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million by 2050. Key recommendations include legislating a net-zero 2050 target, decarbonizing electricity and transit by 2040, and transitioning buildings and healthcare to net-zero by 2050. The report also emphasizes the health risks of fossil fuel investments, the need for a just transition for workers, and the importance of nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and mental health.

The document outlines how climate change increases health risks in Canada, including heat-related illness, respiratory diseases, and mental health issues, while detailing specific regional threats from the North to British Columbia.

The report finds that climate change acts as a significant drag on Canada's economy, reducing GDP growth, causing job losses, and increasing fiscal pressure on governments. It highlights a 'broken window fallacy' where spending on repairs masks deeper losses in household income and productive investment. The analysis indicates that Northern Canada and Alberta are particularly vulnerable, and that a combination of proactive adaptation and low global emissions could reduce total real GDP losses by 75%.

Northern Canada is warming three times faster than the global average, exacerbating a pre-existing infrastructure gap. Permafrost thaw, extreme weather, and sea level rise threaten runways, roads, and building foundations. The report argues that while early investments can reduce costs, incremental repairs are insufficient; transformative adaptations and a commitment to Indigenous self-determination are required to build resilient infrastructure.

The report quantifies the economic burden of climate change on Canada, predicting significant GDP losses, job reductions, and decreased household income by the end of the century. It highlights a 'broken window fallacy' where spending on repairs masks the opportunity cost of lost productive investment. The analysis finds that the North and Alberta are most vulnerable, and that combining proactive adaptation with global emission reductions could eliminate 75% of real GDP losses, with adaptation investments yielding a return of $13 to $15 for every dollar spent.