Estrie Public Health on Monday presented its report entitled “Acting for healthy Communities”, which paints a portrait of the impact of climate change on the region. Estrie will not be spared. And the health effects are significant.
According to the most pessimistic scenario, heat waves in Estrie could last up to 15 days by 2080, with maximum temperatures exceeding 38°C. These heat waves can occur up to six times a year.
Act now for the climate in the face of these alarming numbers, that is the message from the regional health authorities.
“If we don’t address the issue, the crescendo will continue to grow and become more and more critical. »
– A quote from Isabelle Samson, Director of Public Health in Estrie
Public health says no one should be left behind, especially the most vulnerable, vulnerable communities and the elderly, explains Isabelle Samson.
The residents of Sherbrooke are already feeling the vagaries of the weather. It’s the heat that’s so intense, loose Gérald Poulin.
“You have to realize that this is an investment because if we don’t adapt, it will cost us a lot more in terms of human losses, disease, stress and psychosocial problems. »
– A quote from Isabelle Samson, Director of Public Health in Estrie
Despite the worrying results, the Estrie Regional Environment Council is pleased with the public health diagnosis. This is a first in Quebec! It is now clear that public health is bringing the issue of climate change to the table by saying the impact is not far off, said co-director Philippe-David Blanchette.
Most vulnerable areas
According to the report’s forecasts, certain areas of Estries are at greater risk of suffering the effects of climate change.
West-Estrie such as Haute-Yamaska and La Pommeraie are particularly vulnerable to heat waves. In cities like Sherbrooke, Coaticook and Weedon, as well as in the MRC du Haut-Saint-François, it is more likely to be the flooding, according to the forecasts.
The community of Weedon, near Lakes Aylmer and Saint-François, is working with civil security to prevent damage, particularly by draining the waterways as much as possible before spring.
If we fall at a time when it rains more or the snow melts faster, we close the dams and have space to store the rainwater, explains Weedon Mayor Eugène Gagné on the program Vivement le retour.
More green space and public transport
Public health recommendations are primarily addressed to local authorities and other levels of government. Among other things, she calls on them to expand the range of public transport, reduce heat islands by concentrating on green spaces and protect nature.
Yes, there are environmental costs, there are economic costs, but what we are telling you today is that climate change has a human impact first and foremost. The specialist in public health and preventive medicine, Mélissa Généreux.
Should the most pessimistic scenario materialize for Estrie, public health suggests it has the resources needed to help those most at risk, provided preventive measures are taken.
With information from Zoé Bellehumeur