Climate change, extreme weather events and health effects

Abstract

Since the 1970s an increase in temperatures has been observed, and future climate predictions suggest an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Conversely to other environmental risks, climate change is a global phenomenon which will have an impact on the population's health at the global scale. In recent years, many studies have documented the impact of extreme events and climate variability on health as well as estimating the potential future risks under different climate change scenarios. An overview of the potential effects of climate change on health in the Mediterranean region is presented focussing on the increase in health burden associated with heat waves and extreme events, floods and droughts, air pollution episodes and, to the rise in the indirect health effects of infectious disease.