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Climate change will cause some common Manitoban climate characteristics to change or disappear, and some new, unfamiliar characteristics to appear. These changes will bring with them new and increasing threats to the health of Manitobans.
While climate change is predicted to result in fewer deaths related to extreme cold events during the winter, warmer summer temperatures will likely increase the occurrence of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Extreme weather events such as heat waves and floods can lead to higher incidences of sickness and loss of life.
Increased wind erosion due to drought along with more frequent and intense forest fires would increase airborne particulates, exacerbating nasal, eye, throat and respiratory problems. Allergies and asthma may be aggravated by higher CO2 concentrations which can boost the production of ragweed.
Drinking water supplies may become contaminated if heavy rainfall events and floods result in bacteria, sewage, fertilizers and other organic wastes being flushed into waterways and aquifers.
Warmer weather could expand favourable habitats for disease vectors and speed pathogen development rates. Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas may spread vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile and Lyme diseases to areas where they were not prevalent before.
Increases in natural hazards and extreme weather events could lead to increased economic, health and social stress.
Adapted from the Government of Manitoba STEM Site