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How Can I Reduce My Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals’?: A PFAS Consumer Guide

How Can I Reduce My Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals’?: A PFAS Consumer Guide

This blog was written by Lily Farinaccio, WHEN’s policy analyst. 

Read the full guide here. 

What are PFAS? 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals with grease, heat, and water-resistant properties. They are used in various industrial applications and consumer products, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging, carpeting, apparel, upholstery, and even personal care products.

Where do PFAS come from? 

PFAS are synthetic, which means they are entirely human-made. They were invented by DuPont in the 1940s and came into widespread use in the 1950s. 

How are we exposed to PFAS? 

According to the Government of Canada, PFAS are present in almost 100% of the Canadian population. We are routinely exposed to PFAS through the food we eat, the air we breathe, our household dust, consumer products, and food packaging. 

When items containing PFAS are dumped into landfills, they travel easily through the air, soil, and water around disposal sites. They have also been found to bioaccumulate, meaning they can build up indefinitely in animals such as fish, caribou, and even humans.

Why are PFAS concerning? 

At extremely low levels, PFAS are associated with a wide range of health effects, including thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, decreased fertility, asthma, hypercholesterolemia, decreased vaccine response, developmental issues, and endocrine, liver, and immunological effects. Well-studied PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), have been found to cause tumours in animals at high doses. 

Who is disproportionately impacted by PFAS? 

While everyone is exposed to PFAS, many populations are disproportionately affected.

How Can We Protect Ourselves? 

Because PFAS are so pervasive and persistent, the sad reality is we can’t fully limit our exposure. That doesn’t mean we should simply give up! Currently, WHEN is pushing for better laws and regulations that’ll protect environmental and human health from these toxic chemicals. In the meantime, there are small actions you can take to help reduce your exposure. 

PFAS-Free Shopping List 

We’ve compiled a list of PFAS-free alternatives so you don’t have to:

Cookware 

Food packaging 

Clothing and textiles 

Cosmetics and personal care products 

Cleaning products 

It’s not you…

…it’s poor regulations! We can’t emphasize this enough. While there are some measures we can take as individuals to protect ourselves from PFAS, what we really need to do is urge our governments to protect us FIRST. We need our governments to take real action, such as phasing out the use of all PFAS, and advertising when PFAS are used in our products. We all deserve the right to live in an environment free from the threats these chemicals pose!

Take a look + get involved 

WHEN’s policy and law reform efforts are committed to ensuring our governments’ regulations consistently prioritize and protect environmental and human health.

  • Check out our recent submission to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC) on their proposed Risk Management Approach for PFAS under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

  • Donate to WHEN and follow us on our social media to continue to support our mission to eliminate PFAS and their harmful effects.

What is the Real Price We Pay for Cheap Clothing: The Health Impacts of Toxins

This blog post was written by Lyndsay Amat, Kaitlyn De Sousa, and Gwen Merry, members of WHEN’s volunteer editorial team.

WHEN advocates for all women, trans, cis, and Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) individuals. For the purposes of this blog post, the term ‘women’ shall refer to those with ovarian reproductive systems and/or those who identify as women, recognizing that both sex and gender affect one’s vulnerability to the impacts of fast fashion.

Clothing can offer a fun, creative outlet to express our personal style. Of course, it also gives us the necessary protection to face weather conditions, such as extreme cold, rain, and snow. However, something that often gets overlooked is how clothes impact our health and the health of those involved in their production and disposal. 

Our clothes can have serious impacts on our health. Humans are exposed to potential health risks from clothing during production, everyday wear, and at the end of their lifecycle. The table below shows some of the ways that different toxins within clothing can impact various aspects of our health.

Certain chemicals, called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” are found in many items that we use daily, including our clothes. They are used in clothes to make them resistant to water and oil, and to make our clothes more durable. PFAS are used widely in activewear and outerwear. 

Water resistant outerwear.

Image from 4sustainability

PFAS in clothing have been found to cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes normal cells to turn into cancerous ones. It is important to note that scientists are still studying the long-term effects of PFAS, as new research continues to reveal previously unknown health risks. However, literature does find that exposure to some PFAS may increase the risk for certain cancers. VOCs are toxic gases that are released from chemicals, causing health risks such as headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation.They are present in the ink on printed clothes and can be released through washing and airing out.

Heavy metal exposure from clothing is also a concern. Heavy metals can be used when dying clothing, tanning leather, and treating the clothes. They can also be found in natural materials such as cotton and hemp as a result of exposure to metals within the environment and soil. We are exposed to many heavy metals, often in amounts which do not negatively impact our health, but exposure to these chemicals can become toxic in high quantities. Exposure to these chemicals can happen at any point throughout the supply chain - while making the clothes, while wearing them, and while disposing of them. A study investigating heavy metals within T-shirts found that concentrations of lead, copper, and chromium in some shirts were above the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 suggested maximum value, which verifies whether or not a piece of clothing is safe for human health. However, if substances exceed the maximum amount, they cannot be certified. Thus, clothing that fails the certification process could negatively impact human health. Clothing is not required to be OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified to be sold. So, checking for this certification can assure that a piece of clothing is safe to wear. 

Health impactS: Production

The fast fashion industry often relies on outsourcing low-cost labour, relying on marginalized women and children to meet production demands. Out of the 74 million textile workers globally, 80% of them are women of colour. Due to poor regulations in developing countries, these workers are forced to deal with many occupational hazards. In the Global South, racialized women and women of low socioeconomic status are exploited through unlivable wages, poor working conditions and abusive management. The working conditions of many women in these garment factories have a devastating impact on their health.

In factories where the treatment of textiles occurs, such as through dyeing and printing, workers are exposed to thousands of synthetic chemicals daily. Without proper safety regulations and personal protective equipment (PPE), they face both immediate and long-term health risks. During textile production, workers are at risk of both acute and chronic health issues from exposure to pesticides and other chemicals

One of the most common health concerns for garment workers is respiratory disease, caused by inhaling toxic fumes. Many of the chemicals used in the production of fast fashion releases hazardous vapours in the air, damaging the lungs and leading to chronic lung conditions.

Another health concern is through direct skin contact with dyes and other chemicals, leading to chemical burns, rashes, and dermatitis. Chemicals absorbed through the skin or inhaled can accumulate in the body over time, increasing the risk of reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, and other chronic illnesses.

Prolonged exposure to heavy metals and synthetic chemicals can cause various types of long-term damage. For example, research has shown that textile workers have a 40% higher risk of developing gastric cancer compared to the general population. Other research has shown that workers in factories where fabrics are coloured and printed on have an increased risk of genetic damage and mutations, leading to cancers, as well as a higher mortality rate. 

Not only are workers impacted within their workplace, but they can also impact people in their homes. Chemicals from work may settle on the workers’ clothing, shoes, and skin, bringing these hazardous substances into their homes and into contact with other people. Family members may now experience secondary exposure to these toxins placing them at risk of various skin conditions, developmental delay, etc. 

The textile industry also impacts local environments and can lead to increased health risks. Dyeing textiles releases heavy metals and other toxins into waterways, which negatively impact nearby communities. Air quality also deteriorates due to emissions from manufacturing processes, leading to a greater risk of health issues among workers and nearby residents. 

Health Impacts: Everyday Use and Study on Fast Fashion

An investigation done by Marketplace with the University of Toronto found that, out of 38 samples of children’s and adult’s clothing and accessories, one in five items had high and concerning levels of chemicals - including lead, PFAS, and phthalates.  For example, a jacket for toddlers purchased from Shein contained almost 20 times the amount of lead that Health Canada says is safe for children. Lead can be used in textile dye pigments and can cause damaging health effects to the brain, heart, kidneys, and reproductive system. Children and pregnant women are more vulnerable to these negative impacts and are most at risk. In another example, they found high levels of phthalates in items such as a children’s dress from Shein. Children are more exposed to these chemicals because of their tendency to not only suck on clothing but absorb it through their skin. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations to protect our most vulnerable populations from preventable harm.

Health Impacts: Clothing at the End of their Lifecycle

The harms associated with fast fashion continue up to the end of their lifecycle. Close to 90% of the fibre used for clothing purposes either ends up in the landfill or is incinerated.

Landfills leach chemicals into soil and water and affect local populations. When textile waste in landfills is burned, petrochemicals and dioxins are released into the air. This practice has serious health consequences for residents living close to the landfill, where there are higher rates of specific forms of cancer, defects at birth, and respiratory diseases.

Landfills are also more likely to be located close to low-income or predominantly non-white neighbourhoods. Therefore, environmental harms from landfills impact marginalized communities disproportionately. This uneven harm is a common pattern that reflects the broader issue of environmental racism. An example of this issue is the Shelburne landfill, which for 75 years has operated in the predominantly Black community of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, where most African Nova Scotians live. Although the dump closed in 2016, the community still deals with the long-term effects, including water contamination.

There is limited research on the impacts of the Shelburne landfill on residents’ health. However, local voices of people affected by these toxins have spoken up about its devastating legacy on their community. Louise Delisle, born and raised in Shelburne, says the community faces long-term health effects. According to Delisle,  most of the men in the community have died, leaving behind a “community of widows.” 

What Can We Do? 

Repairing What We Already Have

Protesters Against Fast Fashion

Photo: Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images

Repairing and thrifting are great options to reduce purchasing clothes that put workers and communities at risk during production. As consumers who often do not experience the same level of consequences,  we tend to make purchases based on the convenience of purchasing something new and inexpensive, rather than finding ways to repair our clothes. However, taking the time to repair clothing with intention can be rewarding. Learning how to make quick fixes to our clothing can leave us with a sense of self-accomplishment and save us money at the same time. If you are not familiar with how to sew, you could use this opportunity to spend time learning from someone with the knowledge or from easy-to-follow tutorials online.

It is important to recognize that traditional gender roles still shape how we think about changing our purchasing habits. A study on Canadian and American consumers found that women are more likely than men to repair clothing themselves, and older men were more likely to have another person do the mending. This reflects a deeper pattern of labour and expectations that are present even in sustainable efforts, which are rooted in gender norms, since sewing and mending clothes are often seen as a part of the domestic roles that have historically been placed in the hands of women. Sustainability often relies heavily on personal responsibility, but doesn’t really acknowledge the unequal ways that this responsibility is distributed.  

Repairing clothes is not just about mending fabric, replacing buttons, or fixing seams; it is about mending a broken system that prioritizes profits over people’s health. By choosing to repair and repurpose what we wear, we are not only extending the life of our clothing, but we are choosing a more sustainable and equitable future for our closets and communities. This can be a valuable and empowering act, but it is also important to challenge the expectations that come along with who is expected to do that work, and how we can promote these skills for everyone to learn.

Thrift stores and community clothing swaps are a great alternative to purchasing new, if your clothes are beyond repair. However, the rise of resellers has polluted the landscape of thrifting and has reinforced the cycle of waste. Community clothing swaps are a cost-effective way to find unique pieces and foster connections. When purchasing new clothing, the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a great tool to check the potential risks of your clothing, as it ensures clothing has passed tests for harmful substances such as PFAS and lead. 

Being intentional with the care and consumption of our clothes benefits our health and those who produce our clothing. While patching a hole may seem to make a small difference, this act is impactful within the collective move away from fast fashion the collective move away from fast fashion.

Advocating for Stronger Protections

It is not necessary to use PFAS in everyday clothing. The development of new technology has provided alternatives that don’t sacrifice quality. It is disappointing that many clothing companies continue to use harmful chemicals, despite the evidence of their serious health risks. With alternative options available that serve the same function, we have to question why the industry continues to engage in toxic practices.  In fact, information about these alternatives are readily available, and National Geographic lists several brands that don't use PFAS in their clothing. As consumers, we need to demand stronger regulations that prioritize public health and safety and go beyond voluntary phase-outs. Governments must implement clear bans on PFAS and require full chemical transparency throughout the supply chain. We shouldn’t have to be exposed to understudied chemicals because we want to wear a nice, functional raincoat. If safer options exist, companies have a responsibility to stop using unnecessary toxic chemicals in everyday products.

2025 Federal Election: Tracking Environmental Commitments

2025 Federal Election: Tracking Environmental Commitments

This webpage provides a brief overview of the environmental platforms of Canadian federal parties for the 2025 election to help inform voters and encourage bold climate commitments. It will be updated twice a week leading up to the vote on April 28. For a more in-depth summary and analysis of each party’s climate commitments, read WHEN’s full report here. 

This blog post was written by Lily Farinaccio, WHEN’s Policy Analyst.

The Canadian federal election is here, and political parties are already making promises about what they’ll deliver to Canadians. But what about their climate commitments, specifically? Why do they matter – and, are they enough? 

This webpage provides an overview of the key environmental promises from four main federal parties: the Liberals, Conservatives, New Democrats, and Greens. The commitments are organized based on five factors: carbon neutrality and net-zero, sustainable development, adaptation strategies and emergency preparedness, environmental justice and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), and commitment to reconciliation and respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. 

Want to learn more about the importance of this election? Click here. 

Want more information on where, when, and how to vote? Click here. 

CARBON NEUTRALITY 

Definition: 

Carbon neutrality refers to having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks (forests, oceans, wetlands, etc.). Net zero is similar but refers to balancing the emissions of all greenhouse gases (GHGs), including methane and nitrous oxide. 

Importance: 

Human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels, have led to global warming and our current climate crisis. Urgent emission cuts and government action are needed to prevent catastrophic climate impacts and secure a sustainable future. 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Definition: 

Sustainable development promotes harmony between economic growth, environmental protection, and human rights, ensuring current needs are met without compromising future generations. 

Importance: 

Unsustainable development has led to global crises, including climate change, environmental destruction, conflict, and inequality. To secure a livable future, governments must prioritize long-term environmental and social well-being over short-term profit. 

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 

Definition: 

Adaptation strategies are strategies implemented by governments to adapt to extreme weather events and changes resulting from climate change, such as heat waves, forest fires, droughts, and floods, in an attempt to make the country less vulnerable to these events.

Importance: 

As climate impacts intensify, adaptation is vital to protect communities as these impacts affect the very foundations of our lives – our homes, communities, health, food systems, and the natural environment that we depend on. 

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND GBA+ 

Definition: 

Environmental justice promotes fair access to environmental benefits and decision-making, especially for marginalized communities. GBA+ ensures governments identify and address impacts policies and initiatives may have on different communities, such as Indigenous, racialized, woman-identifying, and low-income groups.

Importance: 

While environmental stressors, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events, affect everyone, marginalized groups are disproportionately affected. Government initiatives must address these unequal impacts to ensure a just and inclusive response to the climate crisis. 

COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION AND RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Definition: 

Reconciliation involves restoring and establishing respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples. 

Importance: 

Canada’s colonial history continues to harm Indigenous communities through systemic injustices. True reconciliation requires meaningful, structural government action that respects Indigenous rights and addresses ongoing inequities. 

GET INVOLVED

  1. Register to vote – Advanced polls are open from April 18th-21st! Election day is April 28th! 

  2. Follow @whenonlinex to stay updated and informed. 

  3. Share this blog post to amplify the message. 




What is the Real Price We Pay for Cheap Clothing?: Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion Toxins

This blog post was written by Lyndsay Amat, Kaitlyn De Sousa, and Gwen Merry.

WHEN advocates for all women, trans, cis, and Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) individuals. For the purposes of this blog post, the term ‘women’ shall refer to those with ovarian reproductive systems and/or those who identify as women, recognizing that both sex and gender affect one’s vulnerability to the impacts of fast fashion.

Fast fashion has revolutionized how we consume clothing, offering new styles at unbelievable prices and record speeds. It has also created a culture of overconsumption that is not only wasteful, but is also devastating the planet. In Canada, it can be difficult to see the direct impacts of the fast fashion industry as a significant amount of the country’s waste is shipped to the Global South in the name of “donations.” However, these “donations” only become a burden, forcing countries that lack the necessary infrastructure to deal with textile waste and its toxic environmental and human health effects. 

Most fast fashion is produced in developing nations, where poor working conditions and weak environmental conditions allow for mass production at a devastating cost. As humans who both depend on and influence the environment, it is important to understand how the fast fashion industry and our consumption choices impact the world around us.  

If you’re in or around Toronto and want to learn more about the fast fashion industry while revamping your closet, look no further! WHEN is co-hosting, a Third Anniversary Clothing Swap and #WannaBeToxicFree Panel event with The Good Swaps on March 30th from 12:00-4:00 pm. The event will start off with an engaging panel discussion on the environmental and human health impacts of fast fashion. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to participate in our clothing swap from 1:00-3:00 pm. This event is the perfect chance to consume sustainably and socialize – sign up here!  

Clothing dump in Atacama Desert, Chile

Photo by Jason Mayne / People Dispatch Twitter

Contaminated Waters

Clothing production - including growing natural fibres, manufacturing synthetic fibres, and washing and dyeing textiles - requires staggering amounts of water. It’s estimated that the fashion industry uses around 4 percent of all freshwater extraction globally, which is set to double by 2030. According to the World Resources Institute, it takes 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt, which is enough water for one person to drink for 2 and a half years. 

Beyond extreme water use, fast fashion also pollutes and contaminates water through the textile production process. Dyeing and producing textiles is estimated to be responsible for 20% of clean water pollution. The byproducts of commercial dyes, such as oily froth, make the water cloudy and foul-smelling. Oily froth also accumulates in waterways and forms a layer on the surface that blocks sunlight, making it harder for organisms to photosynthesize and produce the energy they need to survive.  

In the end, this reduced photosynthesis leads to lower oxygen levels in the water, which threatens aquatic plants and animals’ survival. Not only do these chemicals disrupt local ecosystems, but they contaminate drinking water sources and expose communities to harmful substances. To learn more about the health impacts of toxins in our waterways from fast fashion, keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post.

The majority of textiles produced in fast fashion are made from synthetic fabrics, which are derived from plastics and petrochemicals. In fact, over 60% of textile fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are made this way. These materials are not biodegradable, meaning that they don’t break down naturally and can take up to 200+ years to decompose in a landfill.They also release harmful toxins, including microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. 

Even washing clothes in a washing machine can cause a large amount of microplastics to be released. A 2017 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that around 35% of all microplastics in the ocean are the result of washing synthetic textiles like polyester. 

Toxic Foam in the Yamuna River

Photo by Salman Ali/Hindustan Times/Getty Images

Degraded Dirt

Fast fashion isn’t just polluting water, it’s also contaminating the very soil we rely on for food and healthy ecosystems. During the production stages of textiles, factories release waste, synthetic dyes, pesticides, and heavy metals, exposing the soil to harmful chemicals. 

Over time, these chemicals seep into the ground and build up, changing the structure of the soil by increasing its toxicity. These changes reduce the quality of the soil, which harms plants, reduces biodiversity, and affects crops and wildlife. As the soil becomes more polluted from these toxins, entire ecosystems suffer, showing how much of an impact fast fashion can have on the natural world around us.

Dye plant in Zhejiang, China

Lu Guang/GreenPeace

Polluted Skies

In addition to its effects on land and water, fast fashion negatively impacts our atmosphere, fuelling climate change. On a household scale, the main source of microplastics in the air inside is from textiles such as clothing.

Worldwide, fast fashion produces enough greenhouse gasses (GHGs) for textile production to be responsible for around 10% of all global emissions, and is ranked the 5th largest contributor of GHG emissions among households in the European Union (EU). Despite this statistic, over 75% of emissions related to the production of clothes for the EU are released outside of the EU. 

When clothes are thrown away, they often end up in landfills or open dumps. Landfills act as contained sites for garbage and are typically found in developed countries. On the other hand, open dumps are typically found in countries in the Global South where there is a lack of waste management. In these unmanaged dumps, garbage, including clothing, is often burned, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Synthetic fabrics take hundreds of years to decompose, meaning that they continue to release these toxins over time. As they break down or are burned, strong greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane are released into the air, forming aerosols and ozone. This can cause serious health problems and accumulate in the food chain. 

Burning polyester releases cancer-causing chemicals, such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. All of these substances are considered persistent toxins and bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing a risk to general wildlife, including humans. While there are many efforts to promote best practices for textile waste disposal, addressing waste prevention leads to cleaner, healthier air for everyone. To learn more about the health impacts of toxins in our air from fast fashion, keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post.

Unraveling Ecosystems

Fast fashion has a significant effect on our ecosystems. Fabrics such as polyester introduce microplastics to the environment. Microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms and then enter the food chain, ultimately being consumed by humans. Organisms that ingest microplastics may experience delayed growth, abnormal behavior, or reduced food intake. For women, microplastics that have accumulated in the food chain can cause allergic reactions, endocrine disruption, and decreased reproductive health.

When plastic particles degrade, they change their physical and chemical properties, heightening the risk of toxic effects on organisms. The chance of toxic effects increases with the number of species and ecological functions that could potentially be affected. Chemical impacts are particularly concerning during the degradation phase.

Chemicals like phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) escape from plastic particles. These chemicals are known to affect hormones, disrupting the hormone systems of contaminated animals. The nano-sized particles can cause inflammation, cross cellular barriers, and even penetrate special membranes such as the blood-brain barrier or the placenta. Inside cells, they alter gene expression and biochemical reactions, among other effects. To learn more about the impact on human health, keep an eye out for our final segment on fast fashion toxins.

As we look closely at fast fashion’s effect on the environment, it’s important to consider not just synthetic materials, but also the hidden costs of natural fibers. Cotton is one of the most widely used materials worldwide due to its versatility and easy care. Despite only occupying 2.4% of the world’s cropland, cotton uses significant amounts of pesticides and is responsible for roughly one-fifth of global insecticide use. This results in widespread harm to various ecosystems beyond the targeted pests. Species that come in contact with the contaminated water or consume plants are at risk.  

What can be done?

As consumers, we can make choices in our clothing consumption that can drive positive change and make a fashion statement of sustainability. 

We can: 

  • Support brands with sustainable and environmental certifications, including the B Corp logo, Ecologo, and the Green Seal; 

  • Thrift! Thrifting and purchasing second hand reduces the need for new production, eliminating the issues caused by textile production. 

  • Participate in community clothing swaps! Exchanging clothing extends the lifespan of each piece, delaying its journey to the landfill.

  • Only buy what we truly need! We can’t break the cycle of overproduction and ecological harm solely by conscious consumption. 

CRUNCH-TIME FOR CANADA: A CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

CRUNCH-TIME FOR CANADA: A CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

This blog post was written by Lily Farinaccio, WHEN’s Policy Analyst.

The Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN), a youth-led organization, is launching a climate action campaign to push all federal parties to commit to bold climate action. With Canada among the world’s highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters and climate concerns far down on the political agenda, this campaign will raise awareness, analyze party policies, and encourage action – because the fight for a livable future cannot wait.  

THE STATE OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Human activities, mainly through the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, have led to global warming and the current climate crisis. We are already seeing the effects of extreme weather and climate events in every part of the world, causing widespread harm, losses, and damage to both nature and people. In Canada specifically, weather-related disasters, such as floods, storms, and wildfires, are happening more often and becoming more intense. These effects are also unequally and differentially experienced by Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities across the country. 

With every increment of global warming, the likelihood of sudden and/or irreversible changes increases. According to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.” The message is clear: we need bold action now. 

CANADA’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Canada’s contributions to climate change have been and continue to be significant. In 2021, our per capita GHG emissions (the average amount of emissions an individual person produces) were the second highest among the top 10 emitting countries in the world. At 17.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person, Canada’s per capita emissions were equal to the amount of GHGs released by someone driving around the world in a gasoline-powered car twice a year (about 73,436 km). The same year, despite our relatively small population, Canada also ranked 12th in the world in total emissions. 

Due to systemic inequities, the communities and countries who contribute the least to climate change are disproportionately impacted. This places an increased responsibility on Canada, and all Global North countries, to take action to mitigate climate change. 

CANADA’S 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION 

Given the urgency of the climate crisis, one might expect it to be a main concern heading into this year’s federal election. Instead, Trump’s tariffs, inflation, healthcare, rising food costs, and a lack of affordable housing are dominating the polls. If federal parties fail to take a stronger stance on climate issues, youth and future generations will be in an even more vulnerable position than they already are.

DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACTS: CANADIAN YOUTH

The mental, physical, and emotional impacts of the climate crisis are not distributed equally among the Canadian population. Compared to previous generations, young people are, and will continue to be, more exposed to climate change-related problems, and the burdens of coping with and solving them. These impacts can also be exacerbated by identity factors, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Today’s youth are in a unique position: while they’ve contributed the least to the crisis, they are disproportionately impacted and have few opportunities to influence actions.

A recent study surveyed 1,000 young people from the ages of 16-25 across Canada. Among the findings: 

  • 56% of respondents reported feeling afraid, sad, anxious, and powerless about the climate crisis;

  • 78% indicated that climate change impacts their overall mental health; 

  • 37% said that their feelings about climate change negatively affect daily functioning;

  • 73% reported thinking that the future is frightening; 

  • And 76% disclosed feeling that people have failed to take care of the planet.

Interestingly, respondents also viewed governmental response to climate change negatively and expressed more feelings of betrayal than reassurance. 

Clearly, the impacts of climate change on today’s young people are severe, affecting numerous aspects of their daily lives. Youth should not be forced to struggle with this crisis alone. 

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!: OUR CAMPAIGN FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Given the impacts of climate change, the importance of the upcoming Canadian federal election, and the struggles young people face today, the Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN), a youth-led organization, is launching a climate action campaign for future generations.  

In this campaign, we will encourage all federal political parties to adopt the strongest possible climate action plans going forward, demanding firm commitments that prioritize people, the planet, and future generations. 

In the coming months, we will release a detailed analysis report of political party climate policies. This analysis will summarize and objectively assess climate action plans for all federal parties (Liberals, Conservatives, Greens, New Democrats, and Bloc Québécois) based on several factors, including carbon neutrality, climate adaptation strategies, and equity/GBA+ considerations. It will be updated continuously as policy platforms are released. 

The report will be accompanied by a social media campaign that will translate our policy analysis to the public in a clear and accessible manner. Finally, WHEN plans to host a panel discussion where climate activists will share their insights on climate change, disproportionate impacts, and intergenerational activism.  

Let’s work together to ensure a livable, sustainable Canada for all and act together now. To stay informed and connected, follow @whenonlinex. More information is coming soon.

GET INVOLVED

  1. Register to vote – share your voice and exercise your democratic rights this election! 

  2. Follow @whenonlinex to stay updated and informed. 

  3. Share this blog post to amplify the message. 

The Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) is a non-partisan, charitable organization. All our policy efforts are solely focused on advancing our mission and promoting positive change without political bias.