Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Releases New Report

A new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of present and future impacts from climate change. Written by 270 researchers from 67 countries, researchers highlight risks such as: exposure to heat waves, increased extreme weather, including drought, food-borne and water-borne disease risks, and increased disease from pests.

The report highlights that water and food-borne disease risks have increased regionally from climate-sensitive aquatic pathogens, including Vibrio spp. and from toxic substances from harmful freshwater cyanobacteria. Although diarrheal diseases have decreased globally, higher temperatures, increased rain and flooding have increased the occurrence of diarrheal diseases, including cholera and other gastrointestinal infections. The report emphasizes further risks expected in the coming decades, specifically between the years 2040 and 2100.