Why Environmental Policy Matters
- Air and water quality directly affect public health outcomes
- Healthy ecosystems support agriculture, tourism, and resource industries
- Environmental degradation imposes costs on healthcare and disaster response
- Intergenerational responsibility requires long-term stewardship
Environmental policy decisions directly affect Albertans' health, economic opportunity, and quality of life. The NPA supports policies recognizing that environmental protection and economic prosperity are complementary rather than competing objectives.
Health and Environment
| Environmental Factor | Health Impact |
|---|---|
| Air Quality | Respiratory health, cardiovascular disease, healthcare costs |
| Water Quality | Drinking water safety, waterborne illness prevention |
| Climate Stability | Weather extreme impacts, heat-related illness, disease vectors |
| Natural Spaces | Mental health, recreation access, community wellbeing |
Environmental conditions affect health outcomes across populations. Air quality influences respiratory health, particularly for children, seniors, and those with existing conditions. Water quality protects drinking water and aquatic ecosystems supporting food security. Climate patterns affect weather extremes, water availability, and infectious disease transmission.
Economic Foundation
Healthy ecosystems provide the foundation for economic activity across sectors:
- Agriculture: Soil health, pollination services, water availability supporting crop production
- Tourism: Natural landscapes, wildlife, and recreation opportunities attracting visitors
- Resource Industries: Sustainable extraction maintaining long-term production capacity
- Clean Technology: Growing employment in renewable energy and environmental services
Cost Avoidance
Environmental degradation imposes economic costs that effective policy can prevent:
- Healthcare Costs: Pollution-related illness treatment and productivity loss
- Disaster Response: Flood damage, wildfire suppression, drought impacts
- Remediation: Contaminated site cleanup and ecosystem restoration
- Infrastructure: Climate adaptation and damage repair costs
Intergenerational Stewardship
Environmental decisions have consequences extending decades into the future. Resource extraction, land use, and pollution choices shape the world inherited by future generations. The NPA supports policies balancing current economic needs with responsible stewardship ensuring environmental assets remain available for future Albertans.