Health risks surge in UK due to climate change: report
LONDON, Dec. 11 – A report published on Monday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the United Kingdom (UK) is facing increased health risks due to climate change. The report, written by 90 experts and based on climate projections, highlights the potential impacts of extreme weather and vector-borne diseases under a high-end warming scenario.
According to the report, the changing climate poses significant challenges to health security and society as a whole. Isabel Oliver, the chief scientific officer at UKHSA, emphasizes the wide-ranging effects of climate change, stating, Our changing climate impacts everything from the air we breathe to the quality and availability of our food and water.
The report predicts a surge in heat-related deaths, estimating that up to 10,000 deaths could occur in the UK by the 2050s as a result of extreme heat. Under the high-end warming scenario, the number of heat-related deaths could increase by over 1.5 times by the 2030s and rise more than 12-fold by the 2070s.
Furthermore, the report highlights the potential transmission of vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses in London and other parts of the UK. This is due to the presence of Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquitoes) and Culex mosquitoes. The UK could become suitable for new domestic mosquitoes by the 2040s and 2050s, with potential establishment in Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of the Scottish Lowlands by the 2060s or 2070s.
The report also raises concerns about increased flood risks and changing rainfall patterns, which could impact more people in the future. Additionally, the UK’s reliance on food from climate-vulnerable countries is projected to increase, potentially affecting the stability of food supplies, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables.
In response to the report, Oliver emphasizes the need for immediate action, stating, Action is needed now to adapt our policies, environments, and behaviors to secure health, well-being, and livelihoods. She stresses that preventative measures can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on health.
The UKHSA, responsible for planning, preventing, and responding to external health threats, highlights the urgent need for measures to address the adverse health impacts of climate change.
This year, according to a report by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is expected to be the hottest on record. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the related health risks.
The report serves as a call to action, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to protect public health in the face of climate change. As the UK grapples with the potential consequences, the nation must prioritize adaptation and prevention to safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
