Transforming Healthcare: Integration and Accessibility

Brief

Climate change is already causing preventable injuries, illnesses and deaths. Further climate change is expected to alter the geographic range and burden of a variety of climate-sensitive health outcomes and to affect the functioning of health systems. If no additional actions are taken, then increases in morbidity and mortality are expected for heat-related illnesses, illnesses caused by poor air quality, undernutrition from reduced food quality and security and selected vectorborne diseases. Worker productivity is expected to decrease, particularly at low latitudes. Vulnerable populations and regions will be differentially affected. Investments in and policies to promote proactive and effective adaptation and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will decrease the magnitude and pattern of future health risks.