UBC report says people experiencing homelessness are most impacted by climate change

A new University of British Columbia report finds climate change has its most severe impact on those living on the streets. New Sustainability Scholars report produced in partnership with Union Gospel Mission shows that unhoused people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) experience significantly more detrimental health impacts when facing extreme heat and extreme cold.

Focusing on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) community, ‘Unhoused Under Pressure’ draws on academic literature, interviews with City of Vancouver staff, and published experiential accounts to explore the intersection of the climate crisis and housing crisis.

The report was written by UBC Sustainability Scholar Taryn Plater in collaboration with UBC’s Sustainability Hub and Union Gospel Mission Vancouver. Aiming first to understand the DTES community’s climate-related challenges, needs, and resources, the report then offers recommendations for municipal policy and action to improve climate-related health equity for people experiencing homelessness in the DTES.

Read the full report on UBC’s Website:

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