Heat, health and the safety of BC communities
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Dear Paov,British Columbia experienced another heat wave last weekend. Thankfully it wasn’t as hot as the Heat Dome we suffered in June, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and likely thousands of heat-related injuries.
West Coast’s Communications Specialist, Julia Kidder, was in Ashcroft for the duration of last month’s historic heat wave, enduring temperatures close to 50°C, as wildfires began to form what would become a ‘ring of fire’ around Ashcroft. We were all extremely concerned about the safety of our colleague and friend. Fortunately, Julia was able to evacuate and obtain the medical attention she required before it was too late. Her story of experiencing heat stroke is sobering: “I did not recognize the disorientation, auditory hallucinations and numbness that I was experiencing as heat stroke, until I passed out,” she said. “And even then, I did not realize that the heat could be causing serious damage to my brain. I am so lucky that my cousin recognized the symptoms and got me the help I needed. I can only imagine how this might have affected a more vulnerable person.”
The consequences of climate change connect us all. The Interior of BC often experiences the worst effects of increasing wildfires, both emergency challenges and devastating longer term losses. Those with respiratory conditions struggled to breathe and outdoor recreation was discouraged as the province issued an air quality advisory on July 30. Hundreds also died during the Heat Dome with no way to manage or escape higher temperatures in an urban landscape.How long until the government acts on the fact that there are now specific, relatable health conditions associated with climate change? As our planet continues to heat up, it’s urgent that we have plans in place for the extreme and frequent heat emergencies to come. These plans, or lack thereof, can mean life or death for underserved communities.
With climate harm on the rise, we need accountability from major polluters – and the governments that subsidize them. Sign up for our Climate Law in our Hands newsletter to receive updates on our climate work.
How many more people will have to suffer heat injuries or death until the BC government realizes that they can’t pay fracking companies to pollute? When will the fossil fuel companies be held accountable for their increasing emissions?
Our Climate Law in our Hands initiative is working to do just that – hold the BC government to account for their inadequate climate adaptation plan and working with BC communities to make fossil fuel companies pay for the destruction they’ve caused.
With your help, West Coast Environmental Law can continue to act as a legal watchdog. If you agree that climate action is urgent, your support will help ensure our work with communities to hold decision-makers and fossil fuel companies accountable for their actions.
Yours in solidarity,
Andrew Gage
Staff Lawyer
West Coast Environmental Law
PS: Again, the best way to keep updated on how we’re holding corporations and governments accountable for climate change is to sign up for our Climate Law in our Hands newsletter here. Donate Today! We recognize that our readers are diverse and have unique experiences. Due to the impacts of systemic racism and colonialism, or a variety of other factors affecting financial well-being, some readers may not be able or inclined to make a monetary gift. If you do not wish to receive future fundraising emails, please unsubscribe from these types of emails here.
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