Weathering the Storm: Climate-Related Weather Event Experiences of Families of Children With Medical Complexity

Climate change is increasingly an urgent concern because of the catastrophic and irreversible impacts on the planet and society as a whole. In recent years, there have also been more frequent and extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires across the globe. Although families of children with medical complexity may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events, few studies exist that address this topic.

Drawing upon a subset of data from two qualitative studies, we explored the experiences of families during climate-related weather events in British Columbia, Canada. During the summer and fall of 2021, this area experienced a series of extreme weather events (e.g., heat dome, wildfires and atmospheric rivers causing flooding) in rapid succession. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 parents between July 2021 and April 2022. Descriptive content analysis was used for data analysis.

Participants described their lived experiences during the heat dome, wildfires and flooding of 2021. Across all of the weather events, children with medical complexity experienced social isolation and, for some, increased anxiety. Participants also shared adaptive measures, or strategies, they used during these events. In the absence of government supports, families drew upon their informal peer networks in some situations.

The unique needs of children with medical complexity are not accounted for in existing government policies and supports related to climate-related weather events. Families are self-reliant and draw upon their informal peer network for supports. There is an urgent need for inclusive programs and supports across emergency management, health, education and social care to address the needs of this group.