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The following conclusions can be drawn about the potential effects of this climate change on the health of New Zealanders. Climate trends in recent decades may already be affecting our health. The direct impacts of changes in climate extremes are likely to be relatively small.
This update outlines the current research evidence for a number of potential human health impacts of climate change for New Zealand [10, 15, 18-20]. The adaptability and resilience of health and welfare systems are important factors in minimising the efects of climate change on human health [21].
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This report provided an evidence summary of how climate change will affect the health of New Zealanders. The impacts identified are: direct health impacts of climate change (increased flooding, fires and infrastructure damage, displacement and extreme temperatures)
Hotter temperatures and heatwaves may bring health issues for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and babies, as well as outdoor workers. A warming climate may increase the likelihood of tropical diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria, reaching New Zealand.
These include direct effects such as increased exposure to heat waves and weather events but also indirect effects, such as reduced water safety or challenges to our mental health.
We also searched five health-related government agencies in New Zealand for documentation on climate change and health. Results: The effect of climate variability and change on vector-borne disease has been considered in more detail than any other infectious disease topic (n=20+ journal articles and reports relating to New Zealand).
effects on human health with more heat and risk of diseases. Increasing demands on New Zealand for development aid and disaster relief are likely if the impacts of climate change hinder or delay the further economic development of these countries. With significant disruption predicted for Pacific Island and
