Melissa Lem
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drmelissalem.bsky.social
Melissa Lem
@drmelissalem.bsky.social
4.3K followers 960 following 260 posts
Family doctor | President, @cape-acme.bsky.social | #PaRx Co-Founder | Medical columnist, CBC News Vancouver | Clinical assistant prof, UBC Medicine | Salzburg Global Fellow | Opinions mine
www.parkprescriptions.ca
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drmelissalem.bsky.social
Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · Sep 6
Beyond excited to announce the first-ever National Day of Action on Planetary Health, on October 6—led by @cape-acme.bsky.social + supported by healthcare leaders and organizations across the country!
Learn more: planetaryhealthday.ca
@raffic.bsky.social @naomiaklein.bsky.social
#planetaryhealthday
Reposted by Melissa Lem
cape-bc.bsky.social
Vancouver Council votes this week on a budget that could slash programs supporting public health & climate action. We're submitting this open letter tomorrow. We have >200 signatures so far, including almost 100 health professionals. Help us reach 300 by morning! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 24, 2025 Dear Mayor Sim and Vancouver City Council, We write to express deep concern about the proposed 2026 budget cuts that significantly reduce funding to departments responsible for public health, climate resilience, safety, and equity. The draft budget proposes a 14% cut to Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability; a 12% cut to Arts, Culture, and Community Services; a 13% cut to Real Estate, Environment, and Facilities Management; and a cut to Engineering. These departments deliver core services that protect people during extreme heat, reduce pollution, improve road safety, and support communities facing the greatest health risks. Cuts of this scale deepen existing inequities and place lives at risk. The 2021 heat dome caused 619 deaths in British Columbia, overwhelmingly among seniors, people living alone and without indoor cooling, low-income renters, those with mental illness, and residents of neighbourhoods with limited tree cover. We know heat emergencies will become more frequent and more severe in the coming years. The departments facing cuts are home to programs – including building retrofits, tree canopy expansion, green infrastructure, cooling centres, and neighbourhood-level resilience planning – that are among the most effective public health tools we have. Reducing funding for these departments could delay life-saving interventions and increase climate-related health harms for those already most exposed. Traffic violence remains one of the most persistent and preventable threats to public health and safety in Vancouver. Pedestrian injuries and deaths disproportionately affect lower-income neighbourhoods, and children, seniors, and people walking, cycling or using mobility aids bear the greatest burden. Cuts to planning, urban design, and engineering could delay or cancel projects such as safer crosswalks, signal upgrades, traffic-calming measures, and safe routes to schools. These interventions reduce serious injuries, save lives, a… all contribute to mental health, social connection, and crisis resilience. ACCS also coordinates critical work to support the health and safety of sex workers. Reducing this department’s capacity will directly harm communities that rely most on stable, accessible social support. At the same time, the Park Board has been directed to absorb approximately $11 million in cuts, which threatens childcare facilities, recreational programming, and community centres that serve as lifelines during extreme heat and cold. Libraries, which require an additional $1.65 million to provide universal seven-day operations, are also essential cooling and warming centres, public washrooms, internet and communication hubs, and trusted spaces for seniors, youth, low-income families, and people without stable housing. Cuts to these frontline services would reduce Vancouver’s ability to protect residents during emergencies and deepen existing inequities in access to safe, healthy public spaces. We are also concerned by information from city staff indicating the possible elimination of baby-changing tables and menstrual product dispensers in civic facilities. These are basic health supports, relied on most by women, caregivers, and families without discretionary income. Removing them would further widen health inequities. If revenue shortfalls are offset through higher user fees, the burden will again fall disproportionately on those least able to pay: low-income families, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and youth who rely on public programming and facilities the most. Equitable, climate-resilient cities cannot be built on regressive cost-shifting. Finally, decisions of this magnitude, with major implications for health, equity, and climate justice require full transparency about which programs, staff, and services are affected before the November 25 vote. We respectfully ask council to: Release a clear and complete breakdown of all proposed cuts before the final vote Prot…
November 24, 2025 at 12:50 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
💯. Let's advocate for mandatory conflict-of-interest disclosures and mandatory rap!
November 24, 2025 at 2:28 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
But behind the scenes things were not all green + serene:
1. I was locked out of my place 1 hour beforehand
2. A fuse blew + threw everything into darkness
Thankfully quick thinking from @cape-acme.bsky.social + CBC restored power + rescheduled the live hit to make it possible.
Takes a village!
/2.
November 24, 2025 at 2:27 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Great to do my CBC TV column live from Brazil at #COP30 this week.
@danburritt.bsky.social and I talked:
🩺 why doctors should show up on climate
🏭 health implications of fast-tracked fossil fuel projects in Brazil + Canada
🌲 my policy + advocacy priorities
📺: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4uE...
/1
Melissa speaking live from Belém, Brazil with CBC Vancouver News at 6 anchor Dan Burritt about COP30 and health
November 24, 2025 at 2:27 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Also: a custom rap anthem is the absolute best way to end any session. Check out Baba Brinkman's astounding rap-up of our climate information integrity panel here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH_5...
@cape-acme.bsky.social
COP30 – Just Facts – Baba Brinkman Rap Up
YouTube video by Event Rap
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:12 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Hot. Hectic. Frustrating. Exhilarating.
Still recovering after an memorable week in Belém, Brazil with @cape-acme.bsky.social for #COP30 — the Forest COP of Truth and Implementation.
Read all about what CAPE did at COP30:
cape.ca/cape-physici...
And our closing statement :
cape.ca/press_releas...
Melissa with Dr. Joe Vipond, Nola Poirier, Dr. Samantha Green and Robb Barnes of CAPE sporting oil-slicked scrub tops and stethoscopes after the Great People's March at COP30 Melissa with Professor J. Timmons Roberts, FALA's Thais Lazzeri, rapper Baba Brinkman and CAPE's Leah Temper after their panel at the Canada Pavilion on Climate Information Integrity Melissa standing at the base of a huge tree in the Amazon rainforest Melissa with Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Steven Guilbeault at COP30
November 24, 2025 at 1:12 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Also: a custom rap anthem is the absolute best way to end any session. Check out Event Rap's Baba Brinkman's astounding rap-up of our climate information integrity panel here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH_5...
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
cape-acme.bsky.social
3/ Dr. @drmelissalem.bsky.social, CAPE President:
"Communities facing fires, floods, and toxic pollution don’t need empty roadmaps. They need real commitments grounded in science & justice to phase out the fossil fuels driving these climate disasters."
November 22, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
cape-acme.bsky.social
#COP30 - CAPE Closing Statement at #COP30

1/ COP30 ended on a massively disappointing note: no explicit reference to fossil fuels in the almost final text, and no clarity on how to move away from them. Canada is backsliding while health impacts worsen. #ClimateHealth #FossilFree
November 22, 2025 at 8:07 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Honoured to support your candidacy @wazaroff.bsky.social. I look forward to seeing you elected!
November 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
wazaroff.bsky.social
As a leading voice on the intersection between climate, nature, and heath @drmelissalem.bsky.social’s work brings people in and inspires action.

I appreciate your support on this campaign!
A written endorsement of William Azaroff by Dr. Melissa Lem. Includes a photo of Melissa in the bottom right corner.
November 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
"A piecemeal approach that fails to address a root cause of climate change — BC’s expanding LNG industry — will fail to protect our health and health-care system.”
Kudos on ecolens.ca, but BC must do more.
My comments @vancouversun.bsky.social.
vancouversun.com/news/bc-cdc-...
@cape-acme.bsky.social
The B.C. CDC wants to hear from residents with climate-related health concerns
British Columbians can now share personal stories about how climate change is impacting their health and well-being on ecolens.ca
vancouversun.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
jvipondmd.bsky.social
Finally huge Kudos to the crew at @cape-acme.bsky.social! Volunteer Drs. Mili Roy, @drmelissalem.bsky.social + @samanthagreen.bsky.social!
And incredible staff with Dr. @latemper.bsky.social, @robb-barnes.bsky.social and Nola Poirier!
An amazing team that accomplished so much to save our world!
Fin
November 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
cape-acme.bsky.social
"The lungs of the world are in your hands!" That was our message for #COP30 negotiators this week. Standing in front of a giant pair of lungs, health professionals from around the world joined our call to phase out #fossilfuels to protect health and save lives.
youtube.com/shorts/pIavx...
CAPE physicians unveil giant lungs to demand fossil fuel phaseout at COP30
YouTube video by CAPE | ACME
youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
cape-acme.bsky.social
@drmelissalem.bsky.social, @courtghoward.bsky.social, @samanthagreen.bsky.social and Mili Roy shared frontline experiences caring for patients and communities whose wellbeing has been harmed by the fossil fuel industry in #canada, calling on #cdnpoli to stop expanding fossil fuels.
November 19, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
robb-barnes.bsky.social
Great panel at @who’s #cop30embelém🌳 Health Pavilion today, featuring @cape-acme.bsky.social physicians @drmelissalem.bsky.social and @courtghoward.bsky.social and many others.

We’re hearing about how nature-based solutions can heal people and the planet at this critical time.
November 17, 2025 at 2:23 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
What an experience to join @jvipondmd.bsky.social and the @cape-acme.bsky.social team on the streets of Belém for the #COP30 Great People's March with 50,000+ people this weekend to call for #climatejustice now.
Proud to bring the voice of health to this powerful community-led action.
jvipondmd.bsky.social 🇨🇦Joe Vipond🇨🇦 @jvipondmd.bsky.social · 10d
Dr Joe’s COP30 diary day 6
the March!
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
jvipondmd.bsky.social
Our Organization @cape-acme.bsky.social invested some money in a new prop! Inflatable lungs!

They looked great for about 45 min the the battery died and they looked a little less great.

Sigh

Live and learn.
2/
November 15, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
jvipondmd.bsky.social
Action today!
(I'm behind the first K with @drmelissalem.bsky.social)

5/
November 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
robb-barnes.bsky.social
The best part of #COP is being surrounded by smart, dedicated climate advocates from Canada and around the world

This year at #COP30, it’s great to see @cape-acme.bsky.social President @drmelissalem.bsky.social in action - here talking to CBC about Carney’s LNG announcement.
November 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
jvipondmd.bsky.social
“During wildfires, floods and heatwaves, false information spreads faster than facts, leaving people unable to protect themselves. Like toxic air and water pollution, information pollution threatens our health and safety. “ @drmelissalem.bsky.social
Cop30 live: ‘literally insane’ that we are letting global heating happen, says Al Gore
Former US vice-president also critical of Donald Trump and Bill Gates as negotiations begin in earnest
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:16 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
As a Co-Investigator on the #PANDA Trial, I approve this message. Australian friends and colleagues, take note! 👇
www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
#healthybynature
gidmk.bsky.social Health Nerd @gidmk.bsky.social · 15d
We're running a trial of exercise in nature here in Sydney. Free support for exercise and wellbeing for those who participate. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share our link: www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
jvipondmd.bsky.social
Hey Media! want to talk to a Canadian physician working hard to make change at COP30?
There are five of us!
Learn more about what we are doing there, and how to reach us, in the link below.
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) Delegation at COP30 to protect people’s health and confront climate disinformation - CAPE
The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) delegation of physicians and program team will be in Bélem from November 11 to 20. While the federal budget 2025 may have fallen short...
cape.ca
November 8, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Reposted by Melissa Lem
aqme.bsky.social
L’ACME / @cape-acme.bsky.social et l’AQME sont déçues du contenu du budget fédéral qui a été déposé aujourd’hui, avec des reculs et des imprécisions, et pas assez en faveur de la santé environnementale et donc humaine. Lisez notre analyse et les propos de la présidente, @drmelissalem.bsky.social.
Le budget d'Ottawa ne tient pas compte de la réalité du changement climatique et de la pollution toxique - la santé des citoyens en danger - CAPE
À l'heure où les effets des changements climatiques s'accélèrent, causant des ravages sur la santé, le système de soins de santé et les moyens de subsistance des Canadien.nes, le budget fédéral 2025 r...
cape.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Hallowe'en has passed—but for many parents, the scary part is far from over. Great to join @danburritt.bsky.social to talk sugar + kids' health, including:
🧠 immediate mental + physical effects
🏥 long-term health impacts
🍭 which sweets are worse for health
+ more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuCC...
Melissa speaking in studio with CBC Vancouver News at 6 host Dan Burritt about how to handle your kids' Halloween candy hangover
November 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM