Health officials warn that regions of the United Kingdom may be colonised by mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue fever, chikungunya, and the zika virus between the 2040s and 2050s.
The report by the UK Health Security Agency is predicated on an extreme scenario in which temperatures and emissions increase by 4C by 2100.
Other effects cited include an increase in heat-related fatalities and inundation. Nevertheless, it states that many potential issues can be prevented through prompt action.
The report compiles the "substantial and growing" evidence regarding the contemporary health effects of climate change, with the participation of ninety experts.
Additionally, it generates projections predicated on a "plausible worst-case scenario" that may transpire in the event that international obligations to address climate change are not adequately upheld.
Current estimates by the United Nations Environment Programme indicate that, based on current commitments, the world is on track to experience a warming of approximately 2.7C by 2100; however, the precise figures remain ambiguous.
Professor of climate change at the University of Reading, Prof. Nigel Arnell, states, "While it is obvious that we hope temperatures do not rise that much, it is prudent to plan health resources for the worst-case scenario when the repercussions of underestimating the risk are so severe."
The United Kingdom becoming more hospitable to invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a significant health concern.
Although the mosquitoes transmit hazardous viruses only after biting infected individuals, the report predicts that London may experience a recurrence of dengue fever by 2060. The virus is tropical regions where it is most prevalent and can cause severe illness.
Following England as the initial nation in the United Kingdom to experience the consequences, later in the century, portions of Scotland's Lowlands, Wales, and Northern Ireland would also transform into habitable regions.
Already in place to swiftly detect invasive mosquitoes is a surveillance system operated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This system consists of a network of traps strategically positioned at UK borders to detect mosquito eggs. Water storage safety would also need to be considered if the insects were to establish a home in the United Kingdom, given that it is a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
He further stated that this would entail ensuring that containers in gardens are not accumulated with stagnant water, covering paddling pools, and inverting any potential rain-collecting vessels.
The report states that while slower and reduced warming is likely to postpone these dangers for decades or even beyond this century, the establishment of these mosquitoes is essentially irreversible once they have arrived.
Additionally, experts warn that the effects of climate change will be unequal, with children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions or who reside in impoverished areas bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Drought and wildfires are likely to manifest themselves earlier in the southern regions of the United Kingdom. The UKHSA asserts that with the implementation of targeted adaptations and interventions, a significant number of the hazards can be avoided.
