ISLH – EECC – Climate-Resilient Island Health: Course 3 – Adapting to a Changing Climate

Climate change is already affecting our health and how we deliver care. To protect patients, staff, and communities, our health system must adapt by strengthening our buildings, operations, and models of care.

This course explores what climate adaptation means in the context of health care. It examines how we can design climate-resilient facilities, update care practices and supply chains, and support community and Indigenous-led adaptation efforts. It also highlights innovative ways Island Health teams are adapting services to protect staff, maintain operations, and continue delivering safe and reliable care in a changing climate.

This course is Part 3 of 4 in the Climate-Resilient Island Health learning series. Together, the four parts explore how climate change affects health in our region, how Island Health is responding, and how everyone can help build a climate-resilient health system.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe what climate change adaptation is, and why it is a critical part of climate action in the health care system.

• Explain how health care buildings and infrastructure can be designed or upgraded to withstand climate impacts such as extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and severe storms.

• Identify strategies to adapt clinical care practices, health services, operations, and supply chains to a changing climate.

• Describe how Island Health can support community and Indigenous-led climate adaptation efforts.