IH using innovative approaches to address climate challenges

Climate change is arguably one of the most urgent public health issues facing Interior Health. At this writing, much of the Southern Interior is under a heat warning advisory as temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s persist for a third straight week.

As a health-care provider, organization and community member, IH plays a role in advancing climate change action. Our vision and goals are documented in the Climate Change and Sustainability Roadmap 2023-2028, the first of its kind for a Canadian health-care organization. The Roadmap outlines 20 actions and guides IH towards a more sustainable future.

Related Stories@IH: Meet some Climate Change & Sustainability Roadmap collaborators

Every year, we also document our progress in our annual reports. We just released the 2023 Climate Change Accountability Report (CCAR). The following are among the many transformative initiatives highlighted in this year’s CCAR:

• Greening the Labs opportunity investigation identifies ways to reduce waste and water in our labs, as well as greener chemistry options.
• A group of pharmacists and physicians is leading a regional pilot on the use of climate conscious inhalers—prescribed for respiratory conditions like asthma—that emit less carbon dioxide.
• In September 2023, First Nations Health Authority and IH co-hosted the second Interior Region Indigenous Food Forum. Close to 100 participants shared and learned about the intersection of climate change, community food systems and food security.

Earlier this year, Interior Health was recognized by the Canadian College of Health Leaders with the 2024 Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes IH’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility amidst daunting climate challenges, particularly during the extreme weather and wildfire events in the summer of 2023. 

IH received a $2,000 prize for the award, and has donated the funds to B.C.’s Youth Climate Corps, a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions.

Related Stories@IH: Healthy planet, healthy people: One doctor’s quest for change

There’s a profound link between environmental health and human health. Although big changes are needed at policy levels, everyone can make better choices for the environment.

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