Climate data demystified: Climate science for public health professionals
This webinar is presented by the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.
# Abstract
Environmental public health professionals stand at the forefront of community health protection, uniquely positioned to address the substantial challenges posed by climate change. However, many lack formal training in climate science, potentially limiting their confidence and comprehensive understanding of the key principles, assessment of credible climate information, and ability to communicate effectively about climate change in their professional roles.
This webinar will demystify essential climate science concepts through a public health lens, with a focus on extreme heat events. This session features a dynamic conversation between two experts, one from public health and another from climate science. They will explore common challenges in effectively utilizing climate data for public health practice. Webinar participants will engage in an interactive format, gaining hands-on experience with ClimateData.ca, Canada’s trusted climate information portal. The activity will build on a live demonstration of the platform’s powerful features, including the Spatial Analogues tool, which helps users identify North American cities that match their community’s future climate conditions.
By presenting climate fundamentals in relatable terms, the presenters will bridge the gap between public health concerns and climate impacts to help empower public health professionals with the knowledge and tools for effective decision-making and action in the face of climate change.
# Speakers
- Ryan Smith MSc (he/him) has been an Outreach Specialist with the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) for the past five years. He holds a master’s degree in climate science from the University of Manitoba and has twenty years of experience in the field of climate services. Before joining CCCS, Ryan taught courses on atmospheric sciences, human-environment interactions, and climate change at the University of Winnipeg. He has published articles related to climate change and trees, electric vehicles, and community adaptation. He was also a founding member of the Prairie Climate Centre, where he co-authored the Climate Atlas of Canada (ClimateAtlas.ca). Ryan has dedicated much of the past five years to developing content for ClimateData.ca, Canada’s authoritative source for climate data and information. In addition to his technical work, he has a passion for writing, design, and photography. His favorite aspect of his role, however, has always been delivering presentations on climate change and climate action to diverse audiences across Canada. He resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory, and the Homeland of the Red River Métis.
- Rachel Malena-Chan MSc (she/her) is an Outreach Specialist with the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS), where she brings together her passion for storytelling and her commitment to climate action. Rachel holds a Master of Science in Population Health. Her research and community work focuses on developing frameworks for overcoming ‘narrative dissonance’ about the climate crisis, and exploring the role of stories in shaping identity, capacity, and systems. Before joining the Outreach team at the CCCS, Rachel led her own business as a Story Strategist, offering narrative-based services to help others engage and communicate meaningfully. She also worked in the health system as a Health Promoter with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and as a Communications Specialist with the BC Association of Community Health Centres. In her spare time, Rachel runs Eco-Anxious Stories, a web-based platform she created to house stories and resources related to the intersection of mental health and climate change. She resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homelands of the Métis.