The health impacts of climate change are already being felt locally and globally, and these risks will accelerate, says a recent report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The report warns of major impacts on mental and physical health from, for example, increasing temperatures, and that the changing climate will exacerbate existing health inequalities.
However, many of the anticipated adverse impacts on health in the UK are still avoidable through mitigation measures, while others are preventable if the necessary adaptation measures are introduced, according to Professor Isabel Oliver, UKHSA’s Chief Scientific Officer.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “It’s clear from this stark report that climate change could have a serious impact on the health of our local communities.
“These changes include a much greater risk of flooding, extreme heat and the spread of vector-borne diseases transmitted by organisms such as ticks and mosquitoes.
“This report shows that many people could be affected by extremes of weather in our communities. The impact of climate change on individuals will vary, with the worst effects on disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, which could widen health inequalities further.
“Despite the best efforts of councils, we know climate change will intensify into the future and councils are concerned that people and places will be left increasingly vulnerable without further preparation.
“They need further support to prepare their communities for the impacts of climate change before it is too late.”