The health of human populations depends on the continued use of the Earth's natural systems. Climate change is likely to have a negative effect on health, with significant loss of life through a variety of illnesses.
Effects of Warmer Temperatures
Warm temperatures can increase local air pollution, which in turn can lead to an increase in breathing problems and respiratory diseases.
Effects of Extreme Events
Extreme events may lead to a large number of deaths at a set time. For example, a landslide or flood could wipe out a large number of people. Events like this are set to increase as global warming takes place.
Infectious Diseases
Many infectious diseases only appear in warm areas. Warmer trends would enable insects and
other disease carriers to expand their range. Mosquitoes and other insects will spread further across the globe. Currently, 45% of the world's population live in the climate zone suitable for
the spread of malaria. Models estimate that by 2070 this figure could be 60%.
Positive Effects
Although global warming may have a number of negative effects on health, warmer temperatures may decrease the number of deaths from cold weather.
Summary
Poorer countries will be the most vulnerable to global warming, as they will find it difficult to adapt to change.