Cross-Canada Systems Actions

System-level changes needed to address climate change and protect health across Canada, including decarbonizing and supporting health care systems during climate events.

Clean Energy & Emissions Reduction

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • Expand renewable energy generation (wind, solar, hydro)
  • Modernize the electricity grid
  • Phase out coal and reduce natural gas reliance
  • Strengthen industrial emissions regulations
  • Support clean-technology innovation

Transportation & Urban Planning

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • Expand public transit networks
  • Build EV charging infrastructure nationwide
  • Adopt zero-emission vehicle mandates
  • Design walkable, transit-oriented communities
  • Support low-carbon freight solutions

Buildings & Infrastructure

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • Update national building codes for net-zero construction
  • Fund large-scale retrofits for public and private buildings
  • Expand district energy systems
  • Improve flood-resilient infrastructure
  • Support Indigenous-led housing and infrastructure

Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use

Sources: [2] [3]

  • Support regenerative agriculture
  • Expand forest management programs to reduce wildfire risk
  • Protect wetlands and peatlands
  • Promote climate-smart livestock practices
  • Invest in Indigenous land stewardship programs

Health Systems & Community Resilience

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • Develop national heat-alert and wildfire-smoke systems
  • Fund climate-informed mental-health programs
  • Strengthen disease surveillance for vector-borne illnesses
  • Upgrade hospital infrastructure for extreme heat
  • Support northern and remote community resilience

Economic & Policy Tools

Sources: [1] [3]

  • Implement carbon pricing
  • Expand green-jobs training programs
  • Support climate-resilient supply chains
  • Increase federal-provincial coordination through the National Adaptation Strategy
  • Provide long-term climate-adaptation funding

Research, Innovation & Data

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • Invest in climate modelling and early-warning systems
  • Support universities and Indigenous research organizations
  • Expand open climate-data platforms
  • Fund innovation hubs for clean tech and resilience

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

Source: CPHA Climate Action

Strengthen Emission Reduction Targets: Commit to more ambitious emission reduction targets in line with the Paris Accord and ensure that Canada meets its 2030 and 2050 goals.

Invest in Green Infrastructure: Increase federal funding for renewable energy projects, energy-efficient buildings, and public transportation systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Expand Carbon Pricing: Ensure that carbon pricing is fair, equitable, and provides incentives for businesses and individuals to transition to low-carbon alternatives.

Support Climate-resilient Health Systems: Increase funding for public health agencies to monitor and address the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses, air pollution, and mental health.

Coordinate National and Provincial Action: Collaborate with provinces and territories to create a cohesive, nationwide strategy for climate action that includes the perspectives of Indigenous communities and prioritizes equity.

Sources

1Health Canada – Risks to Health from Climate Change2Science.gc.ca – Putting Health at the Heart of Climate Action3ChangingClimate.ca – Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate

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