Climate change in Manitoba
Manitoba’s location means we will face earlier and more severe changes to our climate than many other parts of the world. Already, temperatures are 2-3 degrees higher than what they would normally be.
Climate change seriously threatens our wellness—and decreases the quality of the air we breathe.
Air Pollution
Higher temperatures lead to an increase in harmful air pollutants, including ozone. Rising temperatures intensify drought, and dust and wildfires fill the air with particle pollution. Wind can carry dust and smoke particles for hundreds of kilometres.
Allergens
For allergy sufferers, climate change may mean more itching and sneezing. As temperatures rise, plants produce more pollen. Longer growing seasons allow allergens to flourish in new regions and for allergy seasons to last longer.
Wildfires
Climate change increases heat and drought, leading to greater risk of wildfires. Microscopic particles found in wildfire smoke cause everything from coughing and asthma flare-ups to heart attacks and premature death, especially for those with heart and lung diseases.
It's not just people who live in wildfire-prone regions who are at risk. Wildfires blow smoke hundreds of kilometres away--as we have experienced recently with smoky Manitoba skies from fires in Saskatchewan and Ontario.
What can you do?
- Get regular medical care and follow your doctor’s orders for treatment and medications. Make sure you have a management plan to keep in your best health.
- Pay attention to reports on air quality. The Government of Canada Air Quality Health Index is a tool that helps the public quickly learn when air quality is likely to reach unhealthy levels. You can find the current air quality rating in several locations across the province on the Government of Canada website. Forecasts can help you make choices to reduce your exposure on days with lower air quality.