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The Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK

  • Last modified date:
    12 February 2008

The possible health effects of climate change are set out in a report published today by DH and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The report, written by an expert panel of independent scientists, takes into account the latest information and current predictions about climate change in the UK. It updates the original DH report that was published in 2001. 

The report looks at the health consequences of the population if no action is taken

There is now a scientific consensus that human activity is contributing to global warming, and there are questions about how to reduce possible health risks.

The findings show the UK is adapting well to rising temperatures experienced since the 1970s, but heatwaves pose an increasing risk to health and there is an increased risk of flooding.

In order to aid government decision making, the report looks at the health consequences of the population if no action is taken to avoid significant climate change this century.

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