Climate change 'to encourage spread of disease'
Wars will be fought in the future over water supplies, scientists say
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Monday, 04, Sep 2006 08:36
The continued effect of global warming and the resultant overall climate change is going to accelerate the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in the developing world, a new study says.
Research by the University of East Anglia, unveiled today at the BA Festival of Science in Norwich, reveals that along with increased flooding, drought, storm damage, mass population redistributions and wars fought over water supplies, the increased prevalence of infectious diseases will be the most significant offshoot of climate change.
Paul Hunter, professor of health protection at the university, predicts that all of the above will occur during the next century.
The professor explained that prolonged heatwaves during summers would result in more bacteria surviving in food sources, therefore leading to further cases of food poisoning.
In addition, the reduction in rainfall levels would lead to full-blown conflict between nations keen to secure reliable water supplies, as well as an increased reliance upon poor quality supplies and even waste water.
Professor Hunter contends that increased cases of cholera, Hepatitis A and malaria are all likely outcomes during the next 100 years in the developing world, but that more economically developed regions are not wholly safe either.
"Although the direct threat from climate-related infectious diseases in the UK is likely to be limited to food and waterborne disease, mass migration of peoples displaced from developing nations that are more severely affected is likely to have a far greater impact: causing a rise in cases of diseases like tuberculosis and HIV," he will today say.