Climate change is increasing risks to the health of Canadians, but not all populations and communities will be affected by climate change equally. Existing health inequities are exacerbated by climate change impacts. What’s more, adaptations may inadvertently perpetuate health inequities in the absence of effective planning.
This webinar, presented in partnership with Health Canada, explores the opportunities for public health staff to assess and report on the health equity impacts of a changing climate. Participants will also receive practical guidance on how to centre equity in climate adaptation and community resilience policies and programs. Here, climate resilience refers to the ability of communities who are most impacted to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Equity in the face of climate change
Rebekka Schnitter, policy analyst with the Climate Change and Innovation Bureau at Health Canada, will explore what health equity means in the face of climate change. She will discuss opportunities to centre health equity in climate change and health activities, such as climate change and health vulnerability assessments, as well as adaptation measures.
Schnitter’s presentation will share highlights from the health equity chapter of the upcoming national climate change and health assessment, to be published by Health Canada in 2021.
Advancing equitable climate resilience
Sona Mohnot, environmental equity senior program manager / policy analyst with the Greenlining Institute, will share recommendations on how climate and health equity policy-makers, planners and advocates can advance equitable climate resilience. This work includes supporting historically marginalized communities that are hit hardest by climate impacts.
Drawing from the 2019 Greenlining Institute report Making equity real in climate adaptation and community resilience grant programs and policies: A guidebook, Mohnot’s presentation will offer a step-by-step roadmap on how to operationalize social equity in climate adaptation and resilience policies and programs.