LOSSESChallenges for the NHSIncreased temperatures will mean a rise in
heat-related mortality of 70% by the 2020s, compared with the 2000s, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) projects. This could increase to
540% by the 2080s, it adds.Another concern is the possible
spread of diseases, such as malaria. There could be
"sustained transmission" - lasting for one month or more a year - in southern England by 2080, research suggests.
The government estimates that annual damages from flooding alone could increase to between
£2bn and £12bn by the 2080s, an increase of
about two to 10 times compared with current-day estimates.
Critical infrastructure, including water-pumping stations, water treatment works, transport and electricity systems, and schools and hospitals sited in flood-risk areas could also be threatened, while heavy rainfall events could increase the risk of water contamination should sewers overflow.
Current government estimates suggest about 330,000 properties are currently at risk of flooding, and climate change could increase this to between
630,000 and 1.2m by the 2080s.GAINSNevertheless, the UK could see some gains from climate change. While summer deaths could increase given the predicted increase in hot days and heatwaves, the country could see a fall in the number of cold-related deaths – estimated to be in the region of
3,900 to 24,000 premature cold deaths avoided each year by 2050. Providing water is available in sufficient supply, the UK could also see new crop types, o
r increased yields of crops such as wheat or sugar beet. For some areas of the UK, climate change could also offer wider opportunities for tourism. And for wildlife warmer temperatures could increase survival rates for offspring born in winter.