Break In Case of Emergency Emergency Marker 3: Make It Mandatory (w/ Dr. Melissa Lem & Seth Klein)
Dec 3, 2025
Dr. Melissa Lem, a family physician and advocate for planetary health, joins Seth Klein, a climate strategy expert, for an urgent conversation about climate mandates. They address the health impacts of climate change, including the deadly 2021 heat dome, and emphasize that voluntary actions are inadequate. The duo discusses the necessity of banning fossil fuel advertising and phasing out gas in new buildings. They highlight the power of community-led initiatives and the role of health professionals in pushing for decisive action in this climate emergency.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Climate Crisis Is A Health Emergency
- Climate harms are already producing major, measurable healthcare burdens across Canada.
- Dr. Melissa Lem warns health impacts will cost an extra $110 billion per year by mid-century if emissions aren't rapidly reduced.
2021 Heat Dome: Frontline Trauma
- Dr. Melissa Lem described the 2021 BC heat dome as the worst mass-casualty event in Canadian history.
- She recalled ER teams running room to room intubating unconscious patients and experiencing moral distress and PTSD.
Voluntary Policies Won't Deliver
- Voluntary incentives alone have flatlined emissions and are insufficient for an emergency.
- Seth Klein argues mandatory measures are required to reach speed and scale in a genuine climate mobilization.