Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Melissa Lem

@drmelissalem.bsky.social

4.3K followers 930 following 240 posts

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · Jul 1

"In the end, my motivation for fighting #climatechange comes down to one reason: my son, and this country, are the most beautiful things I have ever seen."
I wrote this piece for @thenarwhal.ca more than half a decade ago—and still believe every word.
Happy #CanadaDay.
thenarwhal.ca/mothers-are-...

Mothers are more powerful than they think when it comes to the environment | The Narwhal

A quick look back at the economic and political influence of moms across North America is an important reminder that this often overlook social group can be a significant force for change

thenarwhal.ca

6 12

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 1d

I'm so proud of what we accomplished together—and can't wait for the next.
Check out our press release here: cape.ca/press_releas...
#planetaryhealthday #healthyfuture
@cape-acme.bsky.social
/3.

Health professionals launch first-ever National Day of Action on Planetary Health - CAPE

Doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals across the country are mobilizing today for the first-ever National Day of Action on Planetary Health in Canada—and possibly the world. The ...

cape.ca

1 6

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 1d

Led by @cape-acme.bsky.social, with 1000s of HCPs attending dozens of events + an open letter sent to the federal government signed by organizations representing >250K health professionals, there's never been a health-sector mobilization of this depth + magnitude for planetary health in Canada.
/2

1 1 2

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 1d

Incredibly inspired after witnessing the beautiful, hopeful and resolute energy from health professionals across the country marking Canada's inaugural National Day of Action on Planetary Health yesterday.
@cape-acme.bsky.social @royalcollege.bsky.social @cmadocs.bsky.social
#planetaryhealthday
/1

Melissa, Providence Health Care CEO Fiona Dalton and PHC Planetary Health Lead RN Raluca Radu planting an Eastern Redbud tree with golden shovels at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver, BC in honour of Planetary Health Day

Dr. David Suzuki providing opening remarks at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's and CAPE's "National Day of Action on Planetary Health: Education, Practice and Systems Change" webinar

Melissa, RN Raluca Radu, Dr. Maura Brown and Emilie Wang of UBC EnviroMed speaking at an evening sustainability sign-making and speaker dinner event at the UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre in Vancouver, BC

1 3 9

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Nourish @nourishlead.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks to everyone who joined in for the inaugural National Day of Action on Planetary Health! Keep sharing those plant-forward meals - making a significant impact on global emissions and our health starts with the food on our plates. 🍽️

nourishleadership.ca/programs/pla...

#PlanetaryHealthDay

1 2

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Nourish @nourishlead.bsky.social · 2d

Today, October 6, is #PlanetaryHealthDay! Do you have a plant-forward planetary health-supporting meal, recipe, or food photo to share? Tag us #NourishLeadership and #PlanetaryHealthDay! 🌎 🍽️

Join tonight's webinar 👉 lnkd.in/gsvdkCuT
Learn more 👉 planetaryhealthday.ca

Join David Suzuki and planetary health leaders tonight to discuss practical actions and systems-level solutions to the environmental health crisis on this National Day of Action on Planetary Health.
Webinar link in post.

1 3

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Generation Squeeze @gensqueeze.bsky.social · 3d

Today is Canada’s first National Day of Action on Planetary Health. The climate crisis and pollution are harming our health and threatening our healthcare systems. We have the power and responsibility to act. #cdnpoli planetaryhealthday.ca @cape-acme.bsky.social @royalcollege.bsky.social

1 15 27

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Sandra Smiley (she/her) @sandrasmiley.bsky.social · 3d

Re-upping my conversation with @drmelissalem.bsky.social in advance of 🇨🇦‘s National Day of Action on Planetary Health, 6 October: planetaryhealthday.ca

#planetaryhealthday @cape-acme.bsky.social

1 6

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 4d

What a joy to speak this week at the sold-out Climate Talks event at UBC Botanical Garden, led by the German Consulate General Vancouver.
Exactly the kind of interdisciplinary work we need to catalyze real action on planetary health.
botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/news-events/...
@cape-acme.bsky.social

Melissa having a drink with speakers and organizers after the Climate Talks event

Dr. Jiaying Zhao speaking about climate action that decreases emissions and increases happiness at Climate Talks

The Climate Talks event poster, with sponsors including the German Consulate General Vancouver, Consulate General of France in Vancouver, Senckenberg Nature Research, Leibniz Association and UBC Botanical Garden

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Robb Barnes 🇨🇦 @robb-barnes.bsky.social · 7d

At @cape-acme.bsky.social we're sometimes asked, Why don't doctors stay in their lane?

The answer: health is about more than health care.

Planetary health is public health, which is why the first National Day of Action on Planetary Health is happening Oct. 6.

healthydebate.ca/2025/10/topi...

Planetary health is public health - Healthy Debate

Ignoring planetary health would be a gross dereliction of duty by the public health profession.

healthydebate.ca

8 17

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Seth Klein @sethdklein.bsky.social · 5d

THIS 👇. Friends, please take this action today and help us get a national Youth Climate Corps over the line...

Climate Emergency Unit @climateunit.bsky.social · 5d

Mark Carney promised to deliver a Youth Climate Corps in the liberal platform. Now it’s at risk of being cut, unless we act.

✉️ Tell your MP, Mark Carney, and his cabinet: keep your promise. Fund a permanent, well-resourced Youth Climate Corps in the 2025 budget: goodgreenjobsforall.ca/tell-carney

Tell Carney - YCC — The Campaign for a Youth Climate Corps

goodgreenjobsforall.ca

2 13 35

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 5d

📢 Calling all health professionals: Only one more day to sign on to the National Day of Action on Planetary Health's open letter to the federal government, here: planetaryhealthday.ca
Join @cape-acme.bsky.social + major health organizations in supporting action on planetary health on October 6!

Healthcare professionals holding signs calling for action on planetary health walking towards the BC Legislature

4 7

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment @cape-acme.bsky.social · 5d

On Oct 6, join David Suzuki & planetary health leaders on practical steps + big solutions to the environment crisis: https://loom.ly/9paSmn8
#planetaryhealthday

@royalcollege.bsky.social @drmelissalem.bsky.social

5 9

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada @collegeroyal.bsky.social · 10d

Les Drs Matthieu Touchette et Stephan Williams parleront de la durabilité en santé et de gestes à poser pour la planète et les patient·es lors du webinaire du 6 octobre animé par David Suzuki : ow.ly/pesZ50WXvcA @drmelissalem.bsky.social @courtghoward.bsky.social @cape-acme.bsky.social

1 3

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada @royalcollege.bsky.social · 12d

October 6 is the the first ever National Day of Action on Planetary Health. Learn how to implement practical solutions to address climate change in health care in webinar hosted by David Suzuki: ow.ly/pesZ50WXvcA
@cape-acme.bsky.social @drmelissalem.bsky.social @courtghoward.bsky.social

1 12 20

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada @collegeroyal.bsky.social · 12d

Le 6 octobre, Journée d’action nationale pour la santé planétaire, découvrez des solutions pratiques en santé pour faire face aux changements climatiques lors d’un webinaire animé par David Suzuki : ow.ly/pesZ50WXvcA
@cape-acme.bsky.social @drmelissalem.bsky.social @courtghoward.bsky.social

2 2

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 15d

Still reflecting on a million and one pinch-me moments from @resonatenbt.bsky.social's annual meeting in Padua, Italy.
Honoured to be an International Expert Advisor for this ground-breaking project, and excited to generate new research + impact as we move into the next 2 years.
resonate-horizon.eu

Melissa in Piazza delle Erbe with Dr. Terry Hartig and Dr. Georgie Sowman

Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in Padua, Italy

Gondoliers navigating the historic canals of Venice, Italy

Dr. Mat White, Principal Investigator of RESONATE, with Dr. Julia Egger, postdoc project leader, describing its impact for collaborators in Padua, Italy

1 5

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada @royalcollege.bsky.social · 16d

Learn how to implement practical solutions to address #climatechange in health care.

Register for the Oct. 6 webinar hosted by David Suzuki and other health care leaders: ow.ly/pesZ50WXvcA @cape-acme.bsky.social @drmelissalem.bsky.social @courtghoward.bsky.social #MedEd #Med#MedEdspan class="text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400">#MedEdSky

1 4 13

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 22d

Honoured to sign this open letter on behalf of @cape-acme.bsky.social. Join us on September 20!
drawtheline.world/canada
#healthyfuture

Melissa and Seth Klein holding up a sign reading "Draw the Line for Healthy People + a Healthy Planet" at a sign-making party for September 20th's global Draw the Line event

1 8

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Seth Klein @sethdklein.bsky.social · 22d

This Ksi Lisims LNG approval is terrible news.

"It's hard to believe that we're moving ahead in B.C. with climate-destroying LNG projects in the midst of a climate crisis," said Tara Marsden, sustainability director for the Gitanyow hereditary chiefs.

Yup.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

$10B LNG project in northwest B.C. gets environmental certificate despite opposition | CBC News

The Ksi Lisims LNG terminal project, about 80 kilometres north of Prince Rupert, B.C., has received a provincial environmental assessment certificat — a critical step for the megaproject despite conce...

www.cbc.ca

2 21 32

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 24d

Full article here: www.interior-news.com/local-news/n...

Northwest B.C. rural health providers, Indigenous leaders call for moratorium on LNG

Group links LNG development to climate change and human health impacts

www.interior-news.com

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 24d

Returning to Terrace—where I cut my teeth running the Mills Memorial ER as a resident—to speak @pnwdivision.bsky.social's annual CPD + networking meeting this weekend felt like a homecoming.
Also great to see @cape-acme.bsky.social's advocacy on the front page of the local newspaper.
'Til next time!

Melissa with MaryLou McKay, Nisga'a elder and Community Health Representative at the Nisga'a Valley Health Authority, in front of an ornate carving at the Nisga'a Museum in Laxgalts'ap

Front page of The Interior News featuring the article "Northwest health providers, Indigenous leaders call for moratorium on LNG development"

1 1 4

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment @cape-acme.bsky.social · 27d

Join us at CAPE! 🌱 Our Health and Economic Policy Program is hiring a Campaign Manager with experience in communications and on-the-ground campaigning. Interested in climate disinformation, commercial determinants of health, and environmental justice? Apply by Sept. 14!

https://loom.ly/bj7QrpE

Careers - CAPE

Campaign Manager, Health and Economic Policy Program Volunteer Opportunities Indigenous Caucus

cape.ca

3 3

Melissa Lem @drmelissalem.bsky.social · 27d

Are artificial sweeteners less than sweet for your brain?
Good to join @danburritt.bsky.social to discuss a new study showing 62% faster cognitive 🔻 in those eating the most, including:
🧠 how worried to be
🚧 why middle-agers may be most at risk
🍭 sugar vs. substitutes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSUg...

Melissa speaking in studio with CBC Vancouver News at 6 anchor Dan Burritt about a new study suggesting artificial sweeteners could age the human brain faster

1 2

Reposted by Melissa Lem

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment @cape-acme.bsky.social · Sep 8

Physicians, nurses, and First Nations leaders challenged BC and federal governments to prove LNG is safe for health before approving more projects, during press conferences today in Vancouver and Smithers.

$Chief Na’Moks, Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief, at a press conference in Vancouver talking about the health harms and threats to First Nations' sovereignty posed by the LNG and fracking industry in BC.$ Dr. Melissa Lem, Vancouver family physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, at a press conference about the health harms of BC LNG today in Vancouver.

Dr. Melissa Lem, Vancouver family physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, at a press conference about the health harms of BC LNG today in Vancouver.

$Agnes Black, Vancouver Registered Nurse, and member of the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment; Naxginkw (Tara Marsden), Wilp Sustainability Director for Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs; and Dr. Ulrike Meyer, Dawson Creek family physician, and volunteer with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, at a press conference today in Vancouver, sounding the alarm about the health harms of LNG and fracking.$ $Drew Harris and Grace Vickers, Members of the Gitxsan youth leaders of the Gitxsan Lax’yip Firekeepers, and Dr. Bethany Ricker, Nanaimo family physician and co-chair of the BC Committee of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, at a press conference in Vancouver today, sounding the alarm about the health harms of LNG and fracking.$

1 6 13

Reposted by Melissa Lem

AQME / Association québécoise des médecins pour l'environnement @aqme.bsky.social · 29d

15 médecins (dont la présidente de l'ACME), infirmières et chefs des Premières Nations de renom, ont mis au défi les gouv. de la C-Britannique, du Canada et l'industrie de prouver que l'industrie du GNL est sûre pour la santé. @cape-acme.bsky.social @cape-bc.bsky.social @drmelissalem.bsky.social

Médecins, infirmières et leaders autochtones mettent au défi les gouvernements de la C.-B. et du Canada de pouvoir prouver que l’industrie du GNL est sans danger - CAPE

Des médecins, infirmiers et infirmières et des leaders autochtones somment les gouvernements provincial de la Colombie-Britannique et fédéral de reconnaître les effets néfastes de l’industrie du gaz n...

cape.ca

1 6 8