Health Vulnerability to Extreme Heat Events in Hamilton, Ontario

Abstract

Climate change is expected to affect Canada through extreme heat events (EHEs). Already vulnerable populations, including newcomers and immigrants, will especially be vulnerable to the health impacts associated with EHEs. This population is important to consider for a country as diverse as Canada. With a focus on Hamilton Ontario, this thesis will assess barriers that immigrants and newcomers face with coping to EHEs. Adverse impacts they face will also be discussed. Current formal and informal coping methods will also be highlighted. Quantitative analysis will also be used to explore the relationship between EHEs, air quality (as measured by the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)), forward sortation areas and hospital admission for heat-related illnesses. The results of this study highlight that unique factors influencing heat health vulnerability among immigrants and newcomers in Hamilton. The benefits of current formal and informal coping mechanisms will also be discussed, as well as areas for improvement. Quantitative analysis also highlights that the AQHI, maximum temperature and a heat event can impact if an individual is admitted to the hospital for a heat-related illness. However, age, gender and most FSAs were not statistically significant. This thesis highlights the importance of considering the immigrant and newcomer population for EHE and general climate change adaptation efforts.