An Ontario health advocacy group is calling for more action to protect children from the harmful effects of climate change.
The non-profit Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) says children will be disproportionately at risk of asthma, heat stroke and Lyme disease, due to the longer, drier and hotter summers expected in the coming decades.
“We know that we’re not on a good path here, and we know that children are among the most vulnerable,” said Pegeen Walsh, executive director of the OPHA.
The organization has launched a new campaign called Make It Better, which is designed to help parents protect their children and inspire them to call for climate-focused policies. The OPHA is asking parents to sign a pledge committing to stay informed and support action on climate change.
The OPHA believes that framing the issue of climate change as a serious threat to children’s health will encourage more people to become involved.
“Our research has shown that while people say they’re concerned about the environment, they’re often feeling very disempowered,” Walsh said.
“There is urgency here,” she added. “We need to be addressing climate change and people need to be informed.”
