Health
Adaptation reduces the impact on health and services.
Adapting emergency services (including monitoring systems)
Adequate monitoring of various hydrometeorological indicators (such as those related to heat waves, flood zones and air quality) by environmental, public safety or public health authorities makes it possible to inform the population before an extreme weather event and provide updates while it is ongoing.
For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada uses FireWork, from the Canadian Forest Fire Emissions Prediction System. It predicts the concentrations of fine particles in the air 48 hours after a forest fire anywhere in the country.
Several alerting systems have been designed in keeping with the needs and the target audience:
In Canada, heat warnings are also issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when any of the following conditions are expected to occur:
A temperature of 30°C or higher with a humidity index of 40 or higher for at least one hour
A temperature of 40°C or higher
These warnings, broadcast via several media (television, radio, internet, app, etc.), are intended to warn the general public of the imminent arrival of a heat wave. They arise from networks of public weather watches and warnings and are issued locally, with the input of expert meteorologists in the field.
The Post-Disaster Mental Health Impacts Surveillance Toolkit developed by the INSPQ is another system that provides guidance to public health officials on the monitoring of the mental health impacts of major disasters during the recovery phase. It includes data collection instruments designed to assess the mental health effects of exposure to climate disasters.
Research project | Study of Public Health Vulnerabilities to Extreme Weather Events and the Development of Alert Thresholds for Quebec
This project led to the development of weather thresholds for health alerts for extreme cold and heat, which are essential in climate change adaptation for health in Quebec and Canada.
Adapting healthcare services
Strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system also means ensuring the continuity of its services despite the impacts of climate hazards. In the event of a disaster, the preparedness of healthcare facilities and services will allow for a rapid and effective response to increased demand.
It is also essential to regularly check the condition and proper functioning of the infrastructure in order to guarantee the continuity of services regardless of the conditions. Developing adaptation plans that include risk assessments and climate data is a key step in enacting long-term solutions.
Research project | Improving the response to the psychosocial needs of individuals and communities affected by climatic hazards in Eastern Quebec regions
This project will improve community and municipal capacity to take charge of community recovery in the event of a climatic disaster.
Adapting living environments
The impacts of climate hazards on living environments have repercussions on health. A well-planned adaptation process has multiple advantages and co-benefits, particularly for the health, quality of life and well-being of populations.
For example, improving the insulation and ventilation in buildings to ensure thermal comfort can help reduce the effects of heat on individuals.
During heat waves, extending the opening hours of public swimming pools, splash pads and air-conditioned public places is an effective measure that is also appreciated by the population.
Increasing green spaces in urban areas reduces heat islands—an effective adaptation measure to limit the effects of heat on health. The Government of Québec’s OASIS program helps municipalities implement greening measures.
This also brings several co-benefits: residents living near green spaces are less prone to chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension) and mental disorders and generally have a better life expectancy. However, these initiatives must be implemented in an equitable manner in order to avoid the phenomenon of eco-gentrification mentioned earlier.
Research project | Evaluation of Urban Agriculture as Green Infrastructure for Individual and Collective Resilience in the Face of Climate and Social Change
Thanks to this project, decision-makers and professionals in Quebec municipalities and food-related institutions now have optimized methods available to counter food insecurity by promoting individual and collective resilience, food justice, and better adaptation to climate change.
Did you know?
While the use of air conditioning may be essential for some vulnerable people, it is not a sustainable measure for adapting to the effects of extreme heat events. The use of air conditioners does not allow people to become physically acclimatized to warmer temperatures, making it a non-adaptation. It is also worth remembering that air conditioning relies on electricity, which amplifies the impacts of a power outage.
Raising awareness in individuals
Raising awareness among individuals to encourage them to adopt preventive behaviours is another adaptation measure. For example, the Quebec government has dedicated a web page to the actions to take before, during and after an extreme heat event.
Raising awareness also involves education. In order for it to achieve its objective, it must be properly communicated. Communicating clear, targeted messages to the right audience, choosing the bearers of credible messages to the population, talking about the local effects of climate change, and keeping the discourse positive are all important.
Awareness campaigns with visual and auditory support in key public places are crucial. Libraries, hospitals, schools and pharmacies are places that can reach a large number of people and cover a large territory.
Did you know?
Ouranos has produced video clips aimed at demystifying climate change adaptation by exploring practical adaptation solutions for three specific climate events: forest fires, extreme heat and stormwater flooding.
Consult the Finding Solutions series.
Last update of the page: December 2025.
