Item - 2013.HL25.4
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on December 16, 2013 without amendments.
- This item was considered by the Board of Health on November 4, 2013 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on December 16, 2013.
- See also PE24.3
HL25.4 - Exploring Health and Social Impacts of Climate Change in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on December 16, 17 and 18, 2013, adopted the following:
1. City Council consider the report (October 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health titled "Exploring Health and Social Impacts of Climate Change in Toronto" in combination with the report from the Chief Corporate Officer on adaptation activities and capital plans across the City of Toronto.
City Council Decision Advice and Other Information
City Council considered Items HL25.4 and PE24.3 together.
Background Information (Board)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-62786.pdf
Motions (City Council)
Vote (Adopt Item) Dec-16-2013 10:07 AM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL25.4 - Adopt the item |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 36 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Peter Leon, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, David Shiner, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Vincent Crisanti, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Pam McConnell, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz |
HL25.4 - Exploring Health and Social Impacts of Climate Change in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Board Recommendations
The Board of Health recommends that City Council consider the report (October 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health titled "Exploring Health and Social Impacts of Climate Change in Toronto" in combination with the report from the Chief Corporate Officer on adaptation activities and capital plans across the City of Toronto.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Board of Health:
1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the Director of the Environment and Energy Division, Office of the Chief Corporate Officer, to carry out a climate and health vulnerability assessment for the City of Toronto.
2. Forwarded the report (October 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Parks and Environment Committee to be considered at the meeting of December 6, 2013 together with the report from the Chief Corporate Officer on adaptation activities and capital plans across the City of Toronto.
3. Requested that the report (October 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health and its recommendations be forwarded to City Council for consideration at its December 16 and 17, 2013 meeting.
Origin
Summary
Over the coming decades, climate change in Toronto is expected to be characterized by more extreme weather events including extreme heat and severe rainstorms. This report provides an overview of potential health impacts identified in the published research including: more illness and death from extreme heat, poor air quality, and vector-borne disease; more injury and illness arising from flooding of homes and businesses; and impacts on mental health. Increases in extreme weather could also have significant impacts on factors that indirectly affect health including food security, social networks, employment status, quality of housing, income and costs of recovery, and access to core services including electricity, transportation, and telecommunications.
Information specific to Toronto about the current burden of illness from climate-related health impacts is varied. No systematic evaluation has been completed to estimate how climate change might alter these risks and their health impact, characterize the numbers and characteristics of vulnerable people and places for the combination of these risks, or consider the resulting demand on public health and health care services.
A comprehensive assessment of Toronto's vulnerability to health and social impacts of climate change is needed to support efficient, effective service delivery and protection of health in a changed climate. With the appropriate information and partnerships in place, TPH will be able to identify opportunities for strengthening the resilience of Toronto's population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-62786.pdf