People living in BC can now share personal stories about how climate change is impacting their health and well-being on
ecolens.ca, a new website launched by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
Ecolens.ca allows people to share insights into how climate change is affecting their lives and how they are responding, and learn about others’ experiences. The information will also help scientists and health professionals better understand climate change impacts and inform the development of adaptive strategies. People living in BC are invited to visit ecolens.ca to share and express themselves through writing, art and photos.
“There is a lot of data showing that climate change is affecting people’s health. We can see it from medication use, calls to emergency services, and visits to healthcare providers,” said Dr. Angela Yao, senior scientist in environmental health at the BCCDC. “But we are missing the personal stories — what people have experienced, how they’ve been impacted, and how their experiences shape the way they feel.”
Visitors to the ecolens.ca website can explore reflections from people throughout the province and share stories of their own. The project team particularly encourages submissions from people living in rural and remote communities, people whose voices are often underrepresented in climate and health data.
“We’ve heard, especially from young people, that climate change can cause anxiety and grief, but it also gives them a reason to come together as a community,” said Dr. Yao. “Ecolens offers a space to share and relate with other people. Through storytelling and connection, we hope to foster community, empathy and resilience.”
The ecolens website was developed with funding from the Ministry of Health’s Health Innovation Pathway Program for climate change.
“We all want to live in a healthy, climate-resilient, sustainable province,” said Mary Cameron, Director of Climate Resilience at the Ministry of Health. “Listening and learning from the lived experiences of British Columbians with humility and care is essential to shaping inclusive, equitable and effective solutions that protect and promote the health of those most affected by climate change.”
BCCDC has been collecting submissions from health partners and university students over the past few months, with more than 40 stories already published. Early submissions include reflections about the 2021 heat dome, 2023 Kelowna wildfires, and other accounts of climate-related events, plus action being taken to prepare and respond to these events.
“These stories add important perspectives to our understanding of how climate change affects people in different ways,” said Dr. Yao. “They help identify who is most affected and what kind of supports are needed.”
- Visit ecolens.ca and select “Share your story”
- Review the privacy and confidentiality policy. Sharing contact information and demographic information is voluntary and not required for submission.
- Follow the prompts to upload your writing, photos or art
- Ecolens.ca is a BCCDC project, supported by the BC Ministry of Health
- Stories on ecolens.ca can be explored on a map of BC or by theme, region, and date
- Visit www.ecolens.ca to explore stories and learn how climate change is impacting people across the province
The BC Centre for Disease Control, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides public health leadership through surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention and consultation services. The Centre provides diagnostic and treatment services for people with diseases of public health importance, and analytical and policy support to all levels of government and health authorities. The BCCDC also provides health promotion and prevention services to reduce the burden of chronic disease, preventable injury and environmental health risks. For more, visit www.bccdc.ca or follow us on Facebook or Instagram or @CDCofBC.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other B.C. health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us @PHSAofBC.
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Media Contact
Joshua Grant
Communications
BC Centre for Disease Control
604.612.9810 | joshua.grant@phsa.ca
PHSA Media line: 778.867.7472
