Poverty greatly increases risk of death during heat waves

A new study reveals that low-income individuals in British Columbia are more than twice as likely to die during extreme heat events due to lack of resources and pre-existing health conditions.

Michelle Gamage reports for The Tyee.

In short:

Research from the BC Centre for Disease Control shows people on income assistance are 2.5 times more likely to die in heat waves, compounded by health issues like schizophrenia and COPD.
During the 2021 heat dome, temperatures soared to record highs, highlighting that chronic diseases combined with poverty increased mortality rates.
To mitigate risks, British Columbia has distributed 15,000 free air conditioners to low-income households, aiming to distribute 28,000 units total.

Key quote:

“No one is at risk from extreme heat if they have safe indoor temperatures.”

— Sarah Henderson, scientific director, BC Centre for Disease Control

Why this matters:
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Addressing this issue requires targeted policies to ensure safe living conditions and reduce health disparities in low-income communities.

thetyee.ca

Poverty greatly increases risk of death during heat waves

Stratospheric aerosol injection might make flights smoother

How industry is fragmenting Canada’s vast boreal forest

For 20 years, Canada’s leaders have promised a carbon capture fix

The climate crisis onscreen: 14 films that made waves

Lake Powell shrinks and marinas must adapt

Zeldin vows to fulfill coal industry’s ‘wish list’

The U.S. is pulling back on energy efficiency

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.