Infographic: How public health functions support climate action

For the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2022: Mobilizing Public Health Action on Climate Change in Canada

Public health works at multiple levels across communities and sectors to prevent and reduce the health impacts of climate change, protect those most at risk, and promote healthier and more resilient societies.

Here are just a few examples of how public health's core functions can be leveraged

Health Promotion

Promoting healthy policies across sectors:

• Fossil fuel reduction
• Safe, affordable and energy-efficient housing
• Active transportation and walkable cities
• Indigenous self-government

Health protection and disease prevention

Help communities reduce health impacts:

• Air quality advisories during wildfires
• Climate-sensitive disease vector control (e.g. ticks, mosquitoes)
• Mandating maximum limits on indoor temperature in summer

Population health assessment

Understanding health risks and future impacts.

• Identifying places and populations most at risk
• Research on the most effective health adaptation interventions

Health surveillance

Collecting data in order to track and monitor:

• Climate-sensitive infectious and chronic diseases
• Changes to weather and climate that could impact health
• Water systems, food-borne disease and air quality

Emergency preparedness and response

Preparing and responding to extreme weather events through:

• Systems to predict health impacts
• Heat warnings and cooling centres
• Risk communication and information sharing
• Shelter for displaced populations

Climate resilient and healthy communities

Learn more:
Mobilizing public health action on climate change in Canada
Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2022
Canada.ca/CPHOreport