How a teen turned her passion for science into fighting climate change

Why It Matters

Young people today confronted with the looming climate crisis are spearheading initiatives to combat it. It is especially important now for the social impact world to be aware of what Gen Z change leaders are up to, as they are the next generation who will take up the fight against global warming.

People with schizophrenia will be vastly overrepresented in this summer’s heatwave deaths. Changemakers can prevent that.

Why It Matters

Social purpose organizations form the backbone of frontline mental health care in Canada, and extreme heat waves are threatening some of the most vulnerable clients they serve. Without drastic action, death tolls among people with severe mental health issues will only rise in future.

Foundations provide funding to address a hospital’s biggest long-term needs. Why aren’t they preparing for climate change?

Why It Matters

Climate change is the single greatest long-term threat to the health of Canadians, according to Canada’s chief public health officer – and hospital foundations are a significant source of equipment and capital spending for major hospitals.

Governments aren’t taking responsibility for climate change’s human health catastrophe. These changemakers are forcing them.

Why It Matters

Governments are reluctant to commit billions of dollars for bold, urgent climate adaptation efforts unless forced by courts or activism. This process isn’t easy, but there are strategies to pressure powerful institutions to address human health.

Canada's National Adaptation Strategy is the first plan of its kind to prepare communities for climate disaster. Here are its blind spots.

Why It Matters

The NAS doesn’t give enough detail to act as a comprehensive blueprint on adapting Canada to climate change, yet many communities are already facing extreme weather. Social purpose organizations may have to fill in the blanks.

Should rich countries pay for climate-related health crises in Global South countries? Humanitarian organizations say yes – but it’s complicated

Why It Matters

Canada promises to be a leader in addressing the climate crisis, yet its emissions are contributing to health-related climate disasters in the Global South.