Climate and Health in Central Zone

Central Zone Public Health is working on a four-year project funded by Health Canada, called HealthADAPT. Its purpose is to help us understand how climate change affects the health of people living in Central Zone – especially those most at risk.  

The project will gather health and climate data, informed by community voices, to support ways in which communities, healthcare providers and decision makers can better prepare for climate related health impacts and emergencies. As the project continues, this site will share study findings, reports, maps and practical advice for people in living in Central Zone and across Nova Scotia – because climate change affects all of us.  

Climate change refers to changes in weather over time caused by human activities like burning coal, oil, and gas, as well as other activities that harm ecosystems and the health of our planet. The World Health Organization calls it the biggest threat to health in the 21st century. These changes are affecting communities across Canada and around the world. 

In Central Zone, we are already seeing the impacts of climate change. Intense hurricanes, floodings, hotter summers and increased wildfire smoke have become more common. 

Sea level rise and coastal erosion is a serious climate problem for Central Zone, which has urban and rural coastlines. Nova Scotia has almost 13,300 kms of coastal land.

Extreme weather events are putting increased pressure on emergency and health services across the province. Disruptions to health systems and healthcare workers are happening more frequently (i.e., power outages from storms, road closures from floods, injuries and illness from heat and wildfires). 

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Hotter temperatures, bad air quality, stronger storms, and changing patterns of insects like ticks are affecting communities now. Some examples of health impacts include: Heat stroke, breathing problems from wildfire smoke, damage to homes from storms, higher rates of Lyme disease, and stress.

Public Health is working to understand how health and climate are linked. For example, how climate affects things like access to food, illness, mental health, and air and water quality. Through this understanding, Public Health can better advise and recommend actions to help reduce harms and support people and communities to adapt. 

Some people face greater risks, such as:

• Older adults
• Infants and children
• Indigenous Peoples
• Pregnant women
• People in low-lying and coastal areas, including fishing communities
• People who work outdoors in hot climates
• People with disabilities and/or chronic conditions
• People with lower incomes
• People without stable housing 

Climate solutions can have great benefits for health and wellness. Communities that adopt climate solutions find improvements in air quality, physical activity, and mental health. 

Everyone has a role to play. Small actions and collective effort can build stronger, more resilient communities. For example, taking the bus, carpooling, or biking can make a difference.

Volunteering or attending climate events with an environmental organization, or planting more trees and flowers native to Nova Scotia. Changing our activities and decisions now can make our communities a better place to live. 

Eat more plant-based foods. Choosing more plant‑based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, tofu and peanut butter helps by reducing pollution, saving water, and cutting down on waste that harms oceans and marine life. 

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Helpful alerts

• NS Alert App
• Air Quality Health Index
• Weather Alerts for Halifax Metro and Halifax County West

Local resources

• Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry - Self-refer if you need extra supports in an emergency
• Support for People with Disabilities or Medical Conditions
• Shelter Nova Scotia
• Climate Change in Nova Scotia
• Climate Cafe events by Healthy Minds Co-operative
• HalifACT: Acting on Climate Together
• Halifax Public Libraries - Climate Action
• Ecology Action Centre
• How We Thrive – Climate Connections