Conclusion
This chapter has explored the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation and the influence of a number of key international, national, and provincial-level policy responses. International responses to climate change mitigation and adaptation have been diverse and complex, reflecting the unique challenges faced by different regions and countries. Despite the challenges of implementing and enforcing international agreements, there has been growing recognition of the urgent need to address climate change. The adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015 marked a major milestone in the international effort to tackle climate change, with almost all countries, including Canada, committing to reducing their GHG emissions. In addition to the Paris Agreement, international cooperation on climate change has led to the development of a range of innovative approaches and policies, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, and technology development initiatives.
In Canada, climate change mitigation and adaptation policies have been targeted at the energy sector and reducing GHG emissions, with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. National strategies like signing onto the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework and Federal Sustainable Development Act are all indicative of a prioritization of climate mitigation by the Canadian Government. The BC Climate Change Accountability Act and BC Healthy Communities Initiative show that this focus has also translated to action at the provincial-level.
As we look to areas where we can make a substantial difference in GHG emissions and waste, the medical sector is an obvious target for action. This chapter has described the influence of healthcare on national emissions, particularly concerning the waste that is produced through health service provisioning. Physicians and health policy planners can play a role in advocating for climate change mitigation and adaptation through engaging with patients about climate change and health impacts, proper disposal of medical waste and e-waste, encouraging the transition to Green IT, and implementing energy efficient systems in healthcare settings. However, mitigation and adaptation is only one piece of a coordinated and resilient response to climate change. The next chapter will explore the healthcare sector in greater detail, including interventions and strategies to make rural care provision more resilient to climate change and ecosystem disruption.
