Lake Simcoe Sessions

How does climate change impact human health and well-being? How is climate change posing new health risks today and into the future? Special guests Asim Qasim and Sonia Sanita from York Region Public Health join host Katie Biddie to talk about how climate change and human health are linked and how local greenspaces can be used to enhance overall wellness and wellbeing. They’ll talk about the cascading effects of climate change, the importance of healthy built environments, and how vulnerability assessments are being used to better understand the health impacts of climate change.

York Region Healthy Built Environment Webpage   

York Region Climate Change and Health Webpage

Key take-aways for this episode:

· There are some new health risks posed by climate change. More extreme heat events lead to more cases of heat stroke and heat illnesses. We are expecting to see more frequent air advisory days. Ticks which can carry Lyme disease are becoming more widespread.

· Climate Change does not impact everyone equally. People have unique vulnerabilities based on their individual lived experiences that need to be considered during climate conversations.

· Greenspaces can significantly benefit our physical and mental health, and the physical and social development of children. We need to keep our environment healthy to stay healthy ourselves.

What can you do?

· Learn more about the Healthy Built Environment, and read the York Region Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment here.

· Spend some time outdoors and in nature. Reflect upon how you feel before going outside and after. Do you notice any improvements in your mood, energy levels or focus?

· Give Forest Bathing a try. For more information about the practice of forest bathing, read M. Amos Clifford's simple yet inspiring book on the subject, “Your Guide to Forest Bathing”

· Make friends with winter – don’t let the weather stop you from getting outside.

· Sign up and participate in a Conservation Day Program.

 What are the long-term benefits of restoring and transforming spaces into more naturalized areas? What role do grasslands and wetlands play in climate change? What is carbon sequestration? Special guest Lori McLean joins host Katie Biddie as they discuss how restoration projects positively impact climate change. From deep root systems in meadow plants, to carbon sequestration, learn about the benefits of native species and restoring the natural environment as a proven solution in mitigating climate change.

Key take-aways for this episode:

What can you do?

How are changing temperatures and weather patterns impacting Lake Simcoe? How sensitive are our water systems to climate change? Can we protect freshwater of Lake Simcoe and ensure the lake stays healthy and clean for generations to come? Dr. Brian Ginn joins host Katie Biddie to talk about climate change as one of the top three environmental stressors on Lake Simcoe, how nutrients like phosphorus and salt threaten lake health, and the effects of rising water temperatures on cold water fish populations. Learn more about how we can join together to fight and tackle climate change in the Lake Simcoe watershed.

Key take-aways from this episode:

What can you do?

What changes has the Lake Simcoe watershed seen in its forests over the years? What did forests look like in the past? What do they look like now? And what changes can we expect to see in our forests in the future? Special guest Phil Davies joins host Katie Biddie to better understand the threats our forests face in the future as they discuss the special role trees play as both adaptations and mitigations to climate change. They look at how trees and forest composition will change over the next several decades in response to climate change and rising temperatures.

Key take-aways from this episode:

What can you do?

Katie Biddie explores the impacts of climate change in the Lake Simcoe watershed with local experts. Learn more the climate change crisis that is unfolding today, and what you can do right now to help build a resilient future. Visit https://www.lsrca.on.ca/Podcasts to learn more!