Health effects during extreme heat events in New Brunswick: Developing an evidence-base to enhance adaptation planning
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Date
2025-07-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training
Abstract
Exposure to extreme heat has been linked to negative health outcomes, including increased need for health services and, in severe cases, death. Climate change events are becoming more frequent. For instance, the occurrence of extremely hot days is expected to more than double in the near future. As a result, there is a growing need to study, understand and protect against the impacts of extreme heat on health outcomes. This is especially true in New Brunswick, which has an aging population with pre-existing health conditions and is therefore more vulnerable to extreme heat.
This study is a comprehensive analysis of heat-related health impacts in New Brunswick over the years 2007 to 2021. Using linked data (including population-level administrative health data, demographic data and daily weather data) accessed through the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT), it estimates the impacts of temperature, humidity and heatwaves on three main health outcomes:
1. Mortality (death)
2. Hospitalization
3. Emergency department (ED) visits
Incorporating environmental data on green spaces (i.e., vegetation, like parks and trees) and blue spaces (i.e., water, like rivers and lakes), it also examines whether living close to these areas has a mitigating, or protective, effect on negative health outcomes related to heat. Overall, this
study aims to explore which heat thresholds (i.e., which temperatures or humidity levels) pose the greatest health risk. Its goal is to help improve New Brunswick’s Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) and guide interventions to protect New Brunswickers during heat events.