Climate change is starting to impact human health

Significance

Current government policies globally are not geared to limit this increase to prevent catastrophic events by mid-century. Climate change is already starting to show signs of worsening disease emergence and spread, and the impact on health and the healthcare sector will be challenging, unless mitigated.

Impacts

• The Ukraine conflict and post-COVID-19 economy will reduce investment in research and healthcare in the medium term.
• Stark regional and economic disparity in access to drugs and vaccines will mean developing countries will struggle to cope the most.
• Non-infectious diseases, such as skin and respiratory illnesses, will also increase.