Climate Change, Water, and Health: A Review of Regional Challenges

Climate change is a phenomenon affecting the whole planet; however, its impacts are mostly felt by those who are already deprived—low—income countries and regions prone to climate related disasters. The occurrence, intensity, and spatial extent of hydrological extremes are likely to change with global warming. This paper reviews current and future impacts of a changing climate on the hydrological cycle and how it affects floods; droughts and related impacts on agriculture and food availability; sea-level rise and its impacts on coastal communities; and waterborne, rodent-borne, and vector-borne diseases. The effect of climate on quality of life and risks of conflicts is also explored. Regions that are most likely to be impacted by each are highlighted. The disasters associated with climate change are very similar to those that the world has periodically witnessed due to climate variability patterns, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation. However, their frequency and severity may be much higher and they may compromise efforts currently underway to solve existing problems.