A Letter from Dr. Norm Campbell
Chair of the Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment
Many people may not fully realize just how serious environmental health risks have become. We often hear news about extreme weather events causing a few deaths or injuries, and sometimes misleading reports downplaying the impact of climate change. But the reality is much more concerning, as shown by the latest evidence.
The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS)—a comprehensive research initiative led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in collaboration with the World Health Organization—tracks the causes of death and disability worldwide. With input from over 11,000 experts across 163 countries, it gives us a clear picture of the global health challenges we face today.
What many might find surprising is the significant role environmental health risks play in global death and disability rates. In 2021, these risks were responsible for 18.9% of all deaths (about 12.8 million people) and 14.4% of all disability (416 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years, or DALYs). The biggest contributors are cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, chronic lung conditions, infections, cancers, and issues in maternal and child health. These numbers, however, don’t even account for the toll climate change is taking on the natural world, which is also under severe threat.
The largest culprit is air pollution, particularly from burning fossil fuels. In 2021, it contributed to approximately 8 million deaths globally. Other environmental risks include extreme temperatures, exposure to toxic substances like lead, occupational hazards, and unsafe water.
Though the most significant health burdens are found in East and Southeast Asia, Canada is not immune. Even with our higher environmental standards and less dense populations, environmental risks accounted for 7.0% of deaths and 4.5% of DALYs in Canada in 2021.
Unfortunately, the impacts of climate change on health are expected to grow. We’re already seeing more frequent and severe weather events—droughts, floods, hailstorms, wildfires, and more—leading to displacement, food and water insecurity, and growing social instability.
In Alberta, the past year has been particularly harsh. Severe droughts, record heat, devastating hailstorms, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires have taken a heavy toll, displacing communities and damaging ecosystems. Sadly, this may only be the beginning.
Indigenous communities, low-income households, rural residents, farmers, ranchers, and those living near water are among the most vulnerable. Immediate action is needed if we want to protect Alberta’s people and landscapes for generations to come.
At the Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment (AHPE), we are committed to this fight. We invite you to join us in our efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable Alberta. By subscribing to our newsletter, you’ll stay informed with resources, relevant news, past meeting materials, and opportunities to volunteer and support petitions. We also encourage you to share your own experiences with climate change and environmental health risks, which we can share with others in our community.
Together, we can make a difference.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Norm Campbell, CM MD DSc (hon) FRCPC.
Chair of the Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment
