Whilst research conducted on the health impacts of climate change in Northern Canadian communities is very limited and often still in the early stages, the research that has been done suggests wide and varying negative impacts.
Much of the research that has been undertaken has been done by talking to the communities and they have highlighted a range of health issues that they believe have been caused or worsened by climate change.
In the table below I have listed some of the most significant impacts:
| Climate Change | Health Impact |
| Reduction in ozone layer | Increased UV exposure leading to higher risk of cancers and burns |
| Changes in ice | More accidents whilst hunting |
| Increasing incidences of storms and extreme weather events | More accidents |
| Increased air pollution | More respiratory illnesses especially in older people |
| Melting of permafrost | Higher risks of accident from collapsing buildings |
| Increased temperature extremes | More deaths because of extreme temperatures |
Again, the capacity for the communities to cope and adapt to the changes is extremely important. However, when it comes to health effects, the communities are less likely to be able to adapt without help and advice from outside their communities.
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