Perceptions of the health impacts of climate change among Canadians

Abstract

Background Understanding public perceptions of the health risks of climate change is critical to inform risk communication and support the adoption of adaptive behaviours. In Canada, very few studies have explored public understandings and perceptions of climate impacts on health. The objective of this study was to address this gap by exploring perceptions of the link between climate change and health. Methods We conducted a survey of Canadians (n = 3,014) to address this objective. The 116-question survey measured prior consideration of the link between climate change and health, affective assessment of climate health impacts, unprompted knowledge of climate health impacts, and concern about a range of impacts. ANOVA tests were used to assess differences among sociodemographic groups. Results Overall, Canadian’s have a similar level of concern about health impacts of climate change compared with concern about other impacts (e.g. biophysical, economic, and national security). Among health-related impacts, respondents were more concerned about impacts on water, food and air quality, compared with impacts on mental health, infectious diseases and heat-related illnesses. There were differences among sociodemographic groups; women were significantly more concerned than men about all of the health-related impacts; respondents with a high school level of education were significantly less concerned about all health-related impacts compared with respondents with more education; and respondents on the political left were more concerned with those in the political centre, who were more concerned than those on the political right. Conclusion There is emerging literature suggesting that framing communication around climate change in terms of the health risks it poses may increase perceptions of the proximity of the risks. These results suggest that it is important to be specific in the types of health risks that are communicated, and to consider the concerns of the target sociodemographic groups. The differential knowledge, awareness, and concern of climate health impacts across segments of the Canadian population can inform targeted communication and engagement to build broader support for adaptation and mitigation measures.

Climate Change Harm Perception Among U.S. Adults in the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022

“…sociodemographic differences in the perception of vulnerability or harm from climate change. [15][16][17] Further, findings indicate that both non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations perceive climate change as a threat to their health, consistent with current research documenting communities with greater proportions of Black and Hispanic residents are disproportionately burdened by the adverse effects of climate change. 18,19 The current study also found a link between trust in certain health information sources and climate change harm perception, consistent with previous research that found an association between trust in scientists and belief in global warming and climate change in general.…”

“…These findings add to a growing body of evidence across North America that identify similar sociodemographic differences in the perception of vulnerability or harm from climate change. 15-17 Further, findings indicate that both non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations perceive climate change as a threat to their health, consistent with current research documenting communities with greater proportions of Black and Hispanic residents are disproportionately burdened by the adverse effects of climate change. 18,19…”

Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan and Proposed Solutions: Evidence from Literature

“…The results of all the mentioned studies Casson et al, (2023); Ayanlade et al, (2023); Galanakis (2023); Tam, Chan & Clayton (2023) found the positive association that climate change affects the social well-being of the people of Pakistan.…”

Global Climate Change and Health Concerns

“…It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. Casson (2023) on the perceptions of the health impacts of climate change among Canadians. The health risks of climate change is critical to inform risk communication and support the adoption of adaptive behaviours in Canada.…”