Climate change and health in Northern Health
In 2025, Northern Health released the climate change and sustainability roadmap: A five-year plan that will guide the health authority towards a sustainable future through responsible and effective climate leadership. This plan will strengthen foundational governance for climate action at Northern Health, reduce Northern Health’s operational footprint and emissions, enhance climate resilience and preparedness, and empower community-led climate solutions.
To learn more, review Northern Health's climate change and sustainability roadmap
Climate and sustainability action is a Northern Health priority
In Northern BC, we’re already experiencing climate-driven health challenges that threaten the foundations of human health and the systems that support it. We’re seeing more frequent and severe extreme weather events and wildfires, declining air quality, reduced food security, and the spread of infectious diseases. These changes are contributing to increased rates of respiratory distress from wildfire smoke, heat-related illness and injury, and mental health challenges linked to climate-related emergencies such as evacuations and displacement.
We also know not everyone is affected the same way. Susceptible groups of people - such as children, older adults, people with pre-existing health conditions, who use substances, live alone, have lower incomes, are unhoused, or living in poor quality housing - face disproportionate risks. Indigenous peoples’ deep cultural connections to the land, water, and air make many Indigenous populations more susceptible to climate impacts that threaten health, wellness, and traditional ways of life.
Building a climate resilient health system
Northern Health is committed to building a climate resilient health system: One that can prepare for, respond to, recover from, and adapt to climate-related challenges. We envision a future where:
Health services are delivered with care, in balance with the land, and in partnership with the people we serve. We lead by example - minimizing environmental harm, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting our systems to meet the challenges of a changing climate. In reciprocal relationship with Indigenous peoples, local communities and partner organizations, we work to advance health equity, strengthen community resilience, and ensure that our health system supports both human and planetary well-being – now and for generations to come. (from Northern Health's climate change and sustainability roadmap, 2025)
Northern Health is taking action by building a climate resilient health system - by strengthening resilience in health services, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable clinical practices. Northern Health strategies aim to build a more adaptive and equitable health system for the future.
Helpful links
- Air quality (indoor/outdoor) - Northern Health
- ClimateReadyBC - Government of BC
- Disaster stress - Northern Health
- Extreme heat and heat warnings - Northern Health
- Northern Health Climate Change Accountability Reports (CCARs) - Northern Health
- Northern Health's climate change and sustainability roadmap - Northern Health
- Wildfires and your health - Northern Health
Featured NH Stories
- DIY air cleaners: Building community resilience against wildfire smoke
- Hot weather, heat warning, or extreme heat emergency?
- Thriving Indigenous food systems benefit all people, and our planet
Contact information
Have questions? Contact our Climate Health team at climatehealth@northernhealth.ca