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Ry Waterloo Chronicle | Thursday, August 10, 2023 | waterloochronicle.ca OPINION CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH it MIKE FARWELL Column We've reached that point in the summer when we re- alize how little of the sea- son is left in front of us, and we begin scrambling to fill its final days with as many activities as possible. hat a summer it's een. From wildfires out west that ripped through east- ern Ontario, we've had the kinds of severe weather that make the impact of cli- mate change top-of-mind for many of us. adian Climate Institute notes that climate change is already costing Canada | billions of dollars each ye: us that “weather related di- sasters like floods, storms and wildfires are gett more frequent, more ex- me and more expen- Climate adaptation is key but, financial costs aside, a summer like this also takes a toll on our health. On more than one occa- sion, smoke from distant wildfires — including some burning in northwestern Ontario — could be easily detected in the air above Waterloo Region. "Several fimes OS we've been ur Air Qual. ity Health Maes was in the moderate to high range. Is it any wonder, then, rat ra Canadian Mental Association. (OnIttA) has noted an in- crease in experiences of cli- mate anxiety, particularly Metroland file photo The sky is seen from Silvercreek Park in Guelph on an early Friday morning earlier this year. among youth? “We don't need to be told that there's a climate emer- gency, and that it's taking is toll on the planet. But climate emergency is also a mental health emer- gency,” says the CMHA. "The climate emergency is not just a question of wildfires, or rising temper- atures and rising oceans. What will we do about ris- ing despair and of the men- tal health impacts of cli- mate trauma’ Maybe we can start wit some balance in our mes- n the Air Quality Health Index i is in the mod- erate range, the reminder is to "consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous ac- tivities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms." y words in that re- minder are "consider" re- ducing and "if" we are expe- riencing symptoms. It's important toremem- ber that, for most of us, our daily activities — even strenuous — will not be im- pacted. Further, our over- all health will not be nega- tively impacted by engag- ing in some forms of out- door activity, even when the Air Quality Health In- dex is moderate. wen thet health | index is spain’ i S sconaldenn vada ing or rescheduling strenu- ous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughi and throat irritation." Sage advice, no doubt, and words we would be wise to heed. Equally sensible advice, though, reminds us of the myriad benefits of being outdoors, for both our physic: and mental health "Recent studies show that people report more vi- tality, enthusiasm and pleasure having walked outside,” says the CMHA. “On top of all of that, physical activity can help you cope with Stress, reduce anxiety and depre: sion, help you think better, e self-esteem, wand can play a role in prevent- ing mental health issues." Do the benefits of out- door activity outweigh the risks? In most cases, the ane is likely yes. ardless, our goal shows be to present as full apicture as possible to help people make informed de- cisions, lest another sum- mer slip from our grasp too soon. Columnist Mike Far- well is a broadcaster, MC and advocate. Follow him on Twitter at @fa well_WR, or connect with him via Mike.Far- well@rci.rogers.com. only Pus HST. per week* GET THIS GREAT OFFER BY CALLING 1-800-210-5210 AND USE CODE CNWRI99 OR VISIT WROFFER.CA/DEAL/CNWRI99 with this fantastic deal on your daily local news. .4( Subscribe to the Waterloo Region Record print edition now and y SAVE 59% off WEEKEND HOME DELIVERY! * Trusted, Award-Winning Journalism + Local news when you need it + Complimentary Digital access + Complimentary ePaper access WATERLOO REGION RECORD This TY We ‘therecodom. 80021055 Ofer expres Agus 31,2028,