Mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus, might become a reason behind biological tension in the United Kingdom by the 2040s and 2050s, according to the warning issued by health officials of the UK Health Security Agency.
The latest report published by the Health Agency underscored that the findings are based on a worst-case scenario, which would see a significant increase in emissions and temperatures reaching four degrees Celsius (4°C) by the year 2100, according to BBC News.
Although, there are no reports that warn the United States about such disease outbreaks.
Further, it mentioned that other causes that would be responsible for deaths could be increasing temperatures and flooding. However, it also claimed that the majority of the potential problems can be avoided with swift action.
What does the Health Agency have to advise to avert the worst consequences?
The worst consequences can be averted by cutting off human activities, which led to greenhouse gas emissions, noted the UK Health Security Agency.
What does the report suggest about climate change’s current and projected impact on global health?
According to BBC News, the report was conducted under the guidance of 90 experts, who closely surveyed the behavior of human health in associated with climate change. The report focused on the projections, which were based on the “possible worst-case scenario.”
The researchers outlined that these scenarios can take place if climate change-related problems are not tackled properly and with extreme carefulness.
The experts are worried because, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, it is estimated that the world will heat up by approximately 2.7 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. It is to be noted that the figure was revealed after keeping an eye on current pledges; however, the exact numbers are unclear.
What experts have to say?
A professor of climate change at the University of Reading – Prof Nigel Arnell, in this regard, said, “Whilst we clearly hope temperatures won’t get that far, it is prudent to prepare for the worst case when planning health resources, if the consequences of us underestimating the risk are so significant,” as per BBC.
UK at risk: Dengue fever threat by 2060 due to invasive mosquitoes
The report has underlined that although the harmful virus is only spread by mosquitos after biting an infected person, it is expected that London will witness regular dengue-related fever by 2060.
The further predictions by the reports highlighted that the best condition for the virus to survive is a tropical region, due to which England will be the first-ever country to witness the effect of mosquito-borne disease, followed by Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of the Scottish Lowlands – which will become suitable habitat for the vector, later in the century.
It is also believed that it can make people seriously ill. It is to be noted that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has already set up a surveillance system to detect the spread of invasive mosquitoes and their eggs.
What are the possible worst-case scenarios suggested by the UK Health Security Agency?
The UK Health Security Agency has underlined that if no action is taken, then:
1. Up to 10,000 more people could die each year due to extreme heat by the 2050s.
2. A significant number of deaths could occur in the cold, especially among older people.
3. Extreme weather events in countries that supply the UK may affect the cost and availability of fruits and vegetables.
4. Changes in rainfall patterns could lead to an increased risk of flooding.
5. Young people, in particular, may experience significant impacts on mental health and well-being.
6. Climate change effects will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including older individuals, those with medical conditions, people in deprived areas, and children.
Furthermore, the agency also shared the ways that may avert the maximum of risks, including:
- Establishment of a national heat and cold alert system similar to the ones used by UKHSA.
- Enhance green spaces for better coping against extreme weather conditions.
- Flood defences must be reinforced and energy efficiency should be improved.