Grant: Op. Gr.: Data Anal. Using Existing Data./Cohorts - HC Interv. Res. General Pool

Climate change is unevenly impacting different populations and locations. For example, Edmonton, Alberta, experiences extreme weather events and poor air quality (from wildfire events and local sources) related to climate change. These climate change-induced health risks are higher for the growing population of older adults and immigrants, which are worsen by factors like social isolation and societal inequities. As such, actions involving collaboration from different fields of science, government, communities, and organizations are necessary. A critical step toward climate change action is generating information for planning and policies that consider locally affected populations and regional differences. We aim to further develop and expand on a previously created climate change and health vulnerability index for Edmonton. These are necessary steps to help inform equitable interventions based on implementation science research. The project builds on this pilot study work that identified critical factors such as location, population demographics, community characteristics, and social factors contributing to climate change and health vulnerability. Investigating factors that can affect urban mitigation and adaptation measures is key for lowering risks and building resilience across affected populations. Specifically, this study considers the use of indices for informing equitable climate change and health policies and programs. In addition, it increases the involvement and options available to higher-risk groups like older adults and immigrant communities. It also promotes equity-based implementation science and can be tool for assessing interventions. The team has expertise in several different areas and has built strong relationships with the City of Edmonton and older adult and immigrant communities to facilitate this work. We aim to promote healthy cities while including equity in the design of climate change and health mitigation and adaptation strategies.