Interior Health is calling its five-year Climate Change and Sustainability Roadmap “the first of its kind.”
The health authority says it will provide a long-term, strategic direction for preparing for and mitigating the health impacts of climate change.
The 2023-28 IH Roadmap builds on direction from the Province, action already taking place and the increasing impacts of climate change.
It features 20 actions that the health authority says will strengthen Aboriginal partnerships, support climate adaptation in BC Interior communities and build a healthy and resilient healthcare system.
Susan Brown, president and CEO of IH, says the link between the health and well-being of British Columbians and the health and well-being of the environment is clear.
“The IH Roadmap is grounded in a health equity approach, and positions IH to not only respond effectively to the threat of climate change, but to support our most vulnerable communities, as well as Aboriginal partners in their efforts to prepare for climate change,” she explained.
“It builds on the significant momentum we’ve already created as we strive for a healthier environment for those that we serve.”
Staff, physicians and external partners all pitched in on creating the IH Roadmap, which will also support the health authority’s efforts to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emission targets.
IH says many of the 20 actions detailed in the report are already in progress, including:
“The Roadmap provides IH a compass by which we will continue to build environmentally sustainable health-care operations and services,” said Lorne Sisley, corporate director of IH’s Facilities Management and Operations.
“It’s a cohesive document that will be integrated into all areas of our operations and service delivery so that together, we can help strengthen our health-care system to adapt and mitigate climate change impacts.”
To see the entire five-year Climate Change and Sustainability Roadmap, click this link.
