Climate change is likely to produce other indirect health effects, some of which include wildfires resulting from more frequent and prolonged drought; conflict over water and other scarce resources; mass population movement; and increased ocean acidity, resulting in severe stress on ocean ecosystems, particularly in the tropics.
Some of these effects are relatively low probability but high impact, and may have little direct effect on the U.S. population if and when they occur. Others, such as wildfires, are already affecting increasing numbers of Americans, a trend that is likely to continue.
Another set of potential health effects to consider are those resulting from adaptations to climate change, including adoption of new fuels, shifting to other energy sources such as nuclear power, and new methods of reclaiming and purifying waste-water for human consumption. As new technologies and strategies are adopted, their health effects will have to be evaluated and considered.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 • CDC Contact Center: 800-CDC-INFO • 888-232-6348 (TTY)
