Madam Speaker, we are taking part in an emergency debate this evening because of a very serious situation that has unfortunately become far too common. At this time, our thoughts are obviously with the people who are affected by the fires, as well as with the authorities and workers who are fighting them. I am particularly attuned to this kind of human tragedy, which turns people's lives upside down and leaves an indelible mark on them. The current situation is a stark reminder that the scale and frequency of natural disasters are on the rise and that these incidents are no longer exceptions.
Today, we are taking part in an important emergency debate on wildfires, yet another one. Do not get me wrong. It is so important to have these kinds of debates, but when we have to keep doing it, maybe it is because Parliament needs to have a discussion and a debate about the root of the problem. It is time for us to have a real emergency debate on the climate crisis, which is hitting people around the world harder and harder, and Quebec and Canada are no exception.
At this time, it is completely irresponsible not to consider the fight against climate change to be in the national interest. However, the words “climate change” were not uttered once at the first ministers meeting in Saskatchewan yesterday. Worse, the government is looking at weakening environmental assessments to make it easier to approve oil and gas pipeline projects. Adding fuel to the fire by opening the door to oil and gas pipelines, when fossil fuels are the main cause of the climate crisis, is not prioritizing people's health and safety.
Indeed, as my hon. colleague said, people's health and safety are at stake. Canadian health associations are raising the alarm: Climate change is a health emergency. Just this morning, the Canadian Lung Association and its U.S. counterpart banded together to raise public awareness about the health risks associated with smoke from fires and forest fires.
Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are contributing to longer and more severe droughts. This is creating the conditions for wildfires and prairie fires to start and quickly spread. Unless we address the root cause by cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and rapidly transitioning away from oil and gas, emergency debates like this one will continue to recur and pile up, because crises like this will only become more frequent.
Climate change is causing more intense and frequent devastation, exacerbating the already unacceptably high human, environmental and economic costs. Climate action is not an expense; it is a necessity and an investment to improve the quality of life of current and future generations. As we said during the election campaign, and reality has confirmed it, the climate crisis is creating human suffering and increasing the cost of living. The strain on our public finances from the increasing number of natural disasters is a striking example. Frankly, it is disheartening that the fires of the past few years, including record forest fires in 2023, have not led to enough meaningful action in Canada. After countless studies and testimony from experts, scientists, specialists and forest firefighters, we know very clearly that action must be taken and that solutions exist.
The Bloc Québécois has proposed real measures not only to limit the impact of climate change, but also to prevent risks and reduce the high cost of damage. In addition to serious human costs, Quebec and Canadian households are already absorbing the economic costs out of their own pockets.
It is important to remember that, according to past estimates, from 2013 to 2018, between 620 and 2,700 premature deaths occurred because of the short- and long-term effects of forest fire smoke. The acute health impacts of forest fire smoke cost an estimated $410 million to $1.8 billion per year, while the chronic health impacts cost up to $19 billion per year.
To reduce the human, economic and environmental costs, we need to invest heavily in reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change.
According to a Canadian Climate Institute report, for every $1 spent on adaptation, $13 to $15 will be saved on future costs. Over the last decade, the average yearly cost of weather-related disasters and catastrophic losses has risen to the equivalent of 5% to 6% of Canada's GDP growth.
There are many adaptation measures, including more resilient infrastructure, ecosystem protection and, of course, innovation. Other measures include nature-based solutions, such as techniques using traditional and indigenous knowledge. Adaptation measures are essential, but it is critical to stress that they will not suffice on their own. To be truly effective, adaptation must be tied to new mitigation measures, meaning reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The less we reduce emissions, the greater the impacts will be. The less we adapt, the higher the costs will be and the more we will suffer. Reduction efforts and adaptation measures must be seen as complementary and essential investments.
Unfortunately, under the current policies, we are headed for very dangerous levels of warming. Only significant and immediate efforts will limit the risks. That is why it is crucial to take a two-pronged approach by reducing CO2 emissions while investing in climate change adaptation.
We understand the need to debate these issues. Yes, we agree that the first thing we need to do is get through this emergency. Unfortunately, just as major fires have become the norm, so have emergency debates in Parliament. Every year, we reiterate the importance of prevention, environmental protection, health and adaptation. As parliamentarians, our duty is to take the rising costs of climate change seriously and to take action.
I would like to conclude by saying that we are currently witnessing solidarity on a grand scale. From other countries to local volunteers, everyone is pitching in. All kinds of help is being provided by governments, emergency services, humanitarian organizations, citizens, communities and nations. The scope of our own responsibility, however, is even greater. In addition to managing the immediate crisis, we have a responsibility to make the necessary investments in adaptation and emissions reduction so that, one day, these disasters are no longer the norm, but, hopefully, the exception.