July 2021
Manitobans have experienced record-breaking high temperatures, prolonged drought, and heat warnings this summer. These extreme conditions are driven partly by climate change, and they are having serious effects on our health.
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.
  • Check the pollen level outdoors if you have allergies or pollen-triggered asthma. If you are sensitive to pollen, limit your outdoor activity on days with high pollen counts.

  • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed if high levels of air pollution are present outside.

  • Transportation and land-use planning decisions that incorporate active modes of transportation can reduce vehicle miles travelled and lower traffic-related air pollution.


Sources:
Share your story with us

We know that lung disease is more than a diagnosis on a piece of paper. It's the lives of people like you. We would love to have you help us tell your story. Please consider taking a few minutes of your day to share your story with us and other Canadians. Help us show why lung health matters.
Help us help you

Do you have lung cancer or are a caregiver for someone who does? Tell us how we can help. Please take 5 minutes to respond to our survey. Your responses will help us design the type of resources you need.
Do you have questions about palliative care for yourself or your loved one? We would love to answer them. Please take 5 minutes to respond to our survey. Your responses will help us design the type of resources you need.