CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS WILL LIKELY DOUBLE BY 2020

04/03/2005 - Scientists warn that unless steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gases, “the health burdens of climate change are likely to approximately double by 2020, mostly because of increased rates of diarrheal disease and malnutrition in low-income countries” (Kovats and Haines 2005).

This statement comes from a recent study that models the projected global warming and resulting impact on vector borne diseases. The authors suggest that the brunt of climate change impacts are likely to be felt in the poorest regions of the world and that there is a clear need to develop effective public heath interventions now.
The authors also identify that countries who have contributed little to greenhouse gas emissions will most likely be the ones most affected by the adverse impacts and that nations that have benefited the from low-cost fossil fuels should lead the way towards reducing future dependence on them.

Global climate change and health: recent findings and future steps. R.S. Kovats and A. Haines Canadian Medical Association Journal 2005. 172: 501-2.