Climate change has a major impact on a country’s economy. Some sectors, such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture and tourism, are particularly dependent on the proper functioning of nature. The manufacturing, transportation, insurance, energy production and transportation sectors are also directly affected by climate hazards.
Climate change, including extreme weather events that are intensifying and occurring more frequently, and their effect on supply chains, pose a short-, medium- or long-term threat to the vitality of most businesses. This can lead to a drop in income, and in some cases, even to closure.
Agriculture is particularly affected by climate change, as it has a direct impact on the sector’s productivity. Extreme weather events and more unpredictable climatic conditions, such as droughts and frosts, as well as the proliferation of insects and weeds, greatly complicate the task of agricultural producers. These numerous climatic hazards can have an impact on crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
But health is also affected by climate change. Climate change increases risks to the health and safety of individuals and communities.
More intense and more frequent heat waves cause and accentuate various health problems. For example, they extend the season for allergenic pollens, which can cause respiratory problems. Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns will contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases transmitted by zoonoses This hyperlink will open in a new window. parasites, mosquitoes, ticks and other animals, such as Lyme disease.
The availability and quality of drinking water can also become an issue in certain localities, as drought periods become more frequent.
Public safety is also threatened by an increase in extreme events, such as high winds, coastal storms and forest fires. These weather phenomena can injure people, increase psychological distress and cause major damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Finally, changing, unusual or extreme weather conditions and disasters of natural origin also have damaging effects on people’s physical and mental health. This is particularly the case for vulnerable people living in areas where the risk of disaster is high.
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