Vital Perspectives - Climate and Health

Vital Perspectives is a story series about important public health issues in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas. These stories share the experiences of people affected by these issues, public health experts, and community partners. We hope these stories help you learn more about public health and the challenges we need to solve together.

The impact of climate change and your health

Climate change is a health emergency affecting everyone. From wildfires and floods to heatwaves and mental health struggles, climate change impacts health in our communities. There are also slower-onset hazards, including increased diseases, droughts, impacts to mental health, and other climate-related health risks.

Who is most affected?

Some groups face more serious risks from climate change, including:

• Farmers and agricultural communities

• Older adults

• Outdoor workers

• People experiencing homelessness

• Immigrants and Indigenous communities

These groups may have higher exposure or fewer resources to protect themselves from health risks.

Partner spotlight: Susan Elliott

Susan Elliott from the University of Waterloo helped SWPH understand how climate change affects vulnerable people in our region.

Read more about Susan's work.

Community spotlight: Lynda Winter

For Lynda Winter, who underwent a double lung transplant, climate change has had serious health impacts.

Read Lynda’s story.

How are we responding?

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is helping communities adapt and stay healthy in a changing climate. One key project is our vulnerability assessment in partnership with the University of Waterloo's Climate Institute. This study looked at how climate change is impacting vulnerable groups in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.

Climate change impacts in our region

By the 2080s, our region may experience:

• More heatwaves: More days above 32°C.

• Fewer cold days: Frost days could drop by up to 70 days.

• New health risks: More diseases from ticks, mosquitoes, and birds, like West Nile Virus and Avian Influenza.

Vulnerable groups and health risks

Climate change doesn't affect everyone equally. The assessment report included vulnerable groups within our region such as:

• Amish and Low German Speaking Mennonite communities

• Outdoor workers

• Immigrants

• Indigenous communities

• Older adults

• Those experiencing homelessness

• Those who may experience heightened susceptibility to climate-related health risks

What can we do?

SWPH's Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report offers recommendations for:

• Communities and municipalities

• Conservation authorities

• Individuals like you

Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities.

Read the full assessment report (PDF)

View other stories in the Vital Perspectives series 

• Story 1: Opioids and Health