8.7 Conclusions: implications for sustainable development
Evidence has grown that climate change already contributes to the global burden of disease and premature deaths. Climate change plays an important role in the spatial and temporal distribution of malaria, dengue, tick-borne diseases, cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases; is affecting the seasonal distribution and concentrations of some allergenic pollen species; and has increased heat-related mortality. The effects are unequally distributed, and are particularly severe in countries with already high disease burdens, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
The projected health impacts of climate change are predominately negative, with the most severe impacts being seen in low-income countries, where the capacity to adapt is weakest. Vulnerable groups in developed countries will also be affected (Haines et al., 2006). Projected increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns can increase malnutrition; disease and injury due to heatwaves, floods, storms, fires and droughts; diarrhoeal illness; and the frequency of cardio-respiratory diseases due to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. There are expected to be some benefits to health, including fewer deaths due to exposure to the cold and reductions in climate suitability for vector-borne diseases in some regions. Figure 8.3 summarises the relative direction and magnitude of projected health impacts, taking into account the likely numbers of people at risk and potential adaptive capacity.
Health is central to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and to sustainable development, both directly (in the case of child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases) and indirectly (ill-health contributes to extreme poverty, hunger and lower educational achievements) (Haines and Cassels, 2004). Rapid and intense climate change is likely to delay progress towards achieving development targets in some regions. Recent events demonstrate that populations and health systems may be unable to cope with increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme events. These events can reduce the resilience of communities, affect vulnerable regions and localities, and overwhelm the coping capacities of most societies.
There is a need to develop and implement adaptation strategies, policies and measures at different levels and scales. Current national and international programmes and measures that aim to reduce the burdens of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes may need to be revised, reoriented and, in some regions, expanded to address the additional pressures of climate change. This includes the consideration of climate-change-related risks in disease monitoring and surveillance systems, health system planning, and preparedness. Many of the health outcomes are mediated through changes in the environment. Measures implemented in the water, agriculture, food, and construction sectors should be designed to benefit human health. However, adaptation is not enough.