Infographics

This section presents infographics that highlight the impacts and responses for groups most affected by climate change and health risks, specifically individuals who are precariously housed, offering valuable insights for targeted and equitable interventions.

Publications

This section highlights our academic publication that examine the intersection of climate, health equity, poverty, and homelessness.

Addressing Poverty and Homelessness is Central to an Equity-Focused Response to Climate Change: Considering Canada as an Example

Authors:

Sean A. Kidd, Mariya Bezgrebelna, Susan Bell Chiblow, Kristin K. Clemens, Maya Gislason, Samantha Green, Finola Hackett, Melissa Hiebert, Christina Hoicka, Glen P. Kenny, Robert Meade, Pemma Muzumdar, Renee Rosenmann, Vicky Stergiopoulos, Denise Thomson, Pranita Bhushan Udas, Pierre Valois, Liette Vasseur, Lewis Williams, Gregor Wolbring, Haorui Wu, Edward C. Xie, Shelby Yamamoto

Year of publication:

2024

Journal:

International Journal on Homelessness

Link to full text:

https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/18987

Abstract

People experiencing poverty are highly exposed to climatic events due to multiple intersecting factors. This commentary centres on poverty, generally, and homelessness, specifically in considering the impacts of climate change on health equity in Canada. We propose prioritizing poverty reduction and prevention over emergency response through measures such as universal basic income and enhanced housing standards. Such work can be grounded in inclusive assessments of risks and leveraged interventions, Indigenous leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and community engagement. We argue that it is essential that we move beyond the current, broad awareness of climate change as a threat multiplier with an emphasis on individual responsibility and the “othering” of people experiencing poverty. What is needed is a clear, systems-focused action fundamentally different from the pace and nature of the work done to date.

Keywords:

environment, health policy, climate change, health equity, homelessness, poverty

Heat-Related Health Risks for People Experiencing Homelessness: A Rapid Review

Authors:

Jolly Noor, Mariya Bezgrebelna, Nick Kerman, Mariam Farooq, Samantha Green, Shakoor Hajat, Glen P. Kenny, Robert D. Meade, Caroline Metz, Vicky Stergiopoulos, Kwame McKenzie, Mardi Daley, Leanne Lacap, Yaa Amoah, Sean Kidd

Year of publication:

2025

Journal:

Journal of Urban Health

Link to full text:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11524-025-00968-x

Abstract

Extreme heat poses a significant public health threat for people experiencing homelessness (PEH), who face heightened risks due to prolonged outdoor exposure and limited access to resources. This rapid review synthesizes research from the past five years on the health impacts of extreme heat for PEH in high-income countries. A total of 11 studies were identified through a systematic search of multiple databases, focusing on publications from 2019 to 2024. The review highlights key vulnerability factors, including demographic characteristics, pre-existing health conditions, and geographic disparities, that increase heat-related health risks for PEH. Physical health impacts, such as heat-related morbidity and mortality, are common, alongside mental health and substance use disorders exacerbated by heat exposure. The review also highlights a significant increase in emergency department visits among PEH during heat events, emphasizing the additional burden on healthcare systems. Barriers, including limited physical and social access to cooling centers, water insecurity, and stigma, further compound these challenges. Addressing the unique vulnerabilities of PEH is crucial to reducing their risks during extreme heat events. Improving housing access and stability is essential as a long-term strategy to decrease homelessness and reduce heat stress in this vulnerable population. The review also underscores the need for inclusive interventions such as accessible cooling centers with targeted programming, regular access to water, and tailored healthcare services to meet the needs of PEH. Future research should focus on long-term studies to assess potential cumulative heat exposure effects and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating extreme heat impacts on PEH, while applying an intersectionality lens to explore how factors like race, gender, and age shape vulnerabilities and potential intervention strategies.

Keywords:

extreme heat, homelessness, health impacts, climate change, vulnerability, public health, heat-related illness