ABSTRACT
Climate change is likely to impact people and the economy in a number of ways. Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and magnitude of disasters, resulting in higher numbers of deaths and injuries as well as increased property and infrastructure damage. Roads and buildings constructed in flood-prone areas will be exposed to increased flood hazards. Greater numbers of people will be exposed to more frequent and hotter heat waves. Climate change will increase the vulnerability of food production. Extreme weather events will impact water availability, with rising temperatures projected to lead to more frequent and intense summer droughts, resulting in reduced river flows, while heavy storm events will deteriorate water quality. By mid-century, climate change will exacerbate health problems that already exist, particularly among those with the weakest health protection services and with the least capacity to adapt. Climate change will disrupt and damage critical infrastructure and property and lower labour productivity, resulting in lower economic growth. Human health and well-being will be at risk from increased vector-borne diseases, poorer air quality, diminished agricultural production and fishery stocks affecting income levels, contamination of water supplies, and loss of ecosystem services.
