Discoveries for life

Climate Change and Adolescents: Understanding Health Challenges

Exploring the Impact of Extreme Weather and Related Events on Adolescents' Lives

Dr. Gina Martin
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University

Dr. Gina Martin from the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University is leading research to understand how climate change impacts adolescent health. More than previous generations, today’s adolescents are increasingly facing extreme weather events, such as wildfires, extreme heat, and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Despite this, there is a significant gap in research on how these events affect adolescent health and wellbeing. Thanks to funding from the SickKids Foundation and the CIHR-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, Dr. Martin and an interdisciplinary team will explore a variety of potential health and wellbeing impacts of these events on adolescents across Canada. This study aims to help fill key knowledge gaps by providing evidence that can inform strategies for mitigating impacts.

This research is novel in its focus on cumulative and repeated exposures to extreme weather events and their effects on adolescent health across the country. Also, by identifying modifiable factors, it can provide insights for developing strategies to help moderate impacts. The findings will contribute to the emerging field of climate change and health, assisting practitioners, policy makers, and advocates in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of adolescents.

Further reading

• Healthy Environments for Youth & Adolescents (HEYA) Research Group
• Athabasca University - Dr. Gina Martin
• Dr. Gina Martin's publications on Google Scholar

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