The UK Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have issued a report, written by an Expert Panel, on the potential health effects climate may have on the health of UK citizens. The writers took into account the most recent information and current predictions about climate change in the United Kingdom.

The HPA informs that this report will form the basis for the HPA’s response to a Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution request for information.

According to the report, there is now fairly compelling evidence that human activity is a key contributory factor to global warming. It also reports that there are questions about how to reduce possible health risks that may arise as a result of rising global temperatures.

The findings indicate that Britain has and is adapting well to temperatures, which have been rising since the seventies. However, heat waves, which may become more prevalent, pose a more serious health risk, as do floods.

The experts say that Malaria could return to the South of England during the next half century. However, they stress the number of infected people will be very low, as will the number of outbreaks.

If nothing at all is done to avoid significant climate change during this century, the experts say that…

— By 2012 there is a 2.5% chance that there will be a significant heat wave in the South East of England. This heat wave is estimated to cause 3,000 immediate heat-related deaths.

— Although the number of possible malaria outbreaks in the UK as a result of climate change may be low, extra vigilance will be needed to contain outbreaks in warmer parts of Europe. More deadly European strains of mosquitoes could emerge and find their way onto the UK mainland.

Lyme disease, and other tick-borne disease could become more common as land-management changes and people spend more time outdoors.

— Also, as a result of spending more time outdoors, increased exposure to sunlight will result in more skin cancers

— The number of people at high risk of flooding will double during this century.

— There will be a 14.5% rise, each year, in the total number of people getting sick from food poisoning, including Salmonella.

— Fewer people will die in the winter (as they will be warmer).

Chairman Professor Robert Maynard, Food Standards Agency, Chairman of the Panel of Experts, said “Climate change is likely to be one of the major challenges that humanity faces this century. It is important that we assess the possible health impact and take any actions that could minimize the consequences. The publication of this report is a significant step in that process.”

“Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK. Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency. February 2008.”
Click here to see the report online
Written by ??” Christian Nordqvist