Durham Region launches a series of reports on climate change impacts

DAN CEARNS The Standard

SCUGOG: The Region of Durham’s health department is looking to help educate and inform residents about the local impacts of climate change while also studying those effects from a health lens.

Earlier this month, the local health unit released the first report, in a planned series, titled ‘Climate Change and Health in Durham Region.’ The reports can be found online, at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth.

“The first report, Understanding the Local Health Impacts of Climate Change, is an essential background primer which explores current and future health impacts of climate hazards, key factors for assessing climate vulnerability, and why some people face greater health risks from the impacts of climate change compared to others. The report also emphasizes the importance of an equity-focused approach, when assessing and addressing climate vulnerabilities, and identifies key local environmental and community features which can affect local health impacts from climate change,” a Durham Region press release stated.

The release also explained, “this primer report will be followed by six climate change and health vulnerability assessments, including reports focused on: extreme heat; ultra-violet radiation; vector-borne diseases; air quality; extreme weather; and food and water impacts.”

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) are collaborating with the health department on their Climate Change Health Vulnerability Assessment.

“This partnership will help deliver First Nation-specific health services, identify gaps, and implement effective climate change mitigation measures,” MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca said, in a statement.

Chief LaRocca shared her experiences, regarding climate change, in reference to her time serving as the MSIFN Chief.

“Over my time as Chief, I’ve witnessed how climate change is altering our environment in significant ways. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like heat waves, severe storms, tornadoes, erosion, and flooding, have noticeably increased, putting all communities at significant risk. One of the troubling impacts, of climate change, has been on Indigenous harvesting rights. Changes in the environment disrupts the ability to traditionally harvest foods, fish, and medicines, which are not just resources but integral aspects of Indigenous identity. As temperatures rise and patterns shift, we’ve observed changes in the migration patterns of fish and the health of our local and territory-wide ecosystems. This affects, not only the ability to harvest, but, also the overall sustainability of these resources. The prevalence of invasive species is [an] increasing concern. Warmer temperatures and changing ecosystems have allowed these species to thrive, further threatening native fauna and flora, while disrupting the balance our community has relied upon, for as long as our collective memory serves.”

She also noted impacts to the MSIFN council as well, including “greater focus on emergency planning and business continuity planning, each of which includes community cultural and wellness strategies.”

The MSIFN Chief also discussed how this collaboration with the Durham Region Health department came about.

“MSIFN was approached by the health department, in October of 2023. Following receipt of the draft, Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Report, MSIFN staff prepared comments for inclusion in the report which resulted in a fruitful collaboration with Durham Region staff.”

Chief LaRocca has some goals she hopes to achieve, being part of this collaborative effort.

“By participating in the health department’s climate change initiatives, I hope to see a greater recognition and integration of Indigenous perspectives in decision-making processes, especially when it comes to environmental stewardship and climate change adaptation. By working together, we can create more sustainable and effective solutions which honour our lived experience. One would hope collaboration promotes a deeper understanding and respect, between our communities. By working together on shared challenges, like climate change, we could model a legacy of cooperation and mutual respect for current and future generations.”