InformationHealth effects of climate change and adverse weather events

Climate change will affect a wide range of health issues. We are already seeing threats to health in the UK.

Heat and cold-related deaths are both projected to increase in the UK, impacting on the most vulnerable people. Our Spotlight on summer health explains ways to stay safe when the heat arrives, while our spotlight on Staying warm offers advice for coping in cold weather. Please look out for friends, family, and neighbours, who may need extra support.

Increased risk of flooding will mean that people and properties, as well as health and social care facilities, transport lines and schools will be at risk. Impacts of sea-level rise and flooding will be greatest in coastal towns, low-lying areas, and in or near floodplains.

Flooding is one of the most important climate change challenges facing the UK. There may be direct effects such as physical injury, although in the UK, most of the health impact linked to flooding is on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Flooding and health: advice for the public

National Flood Forum is a charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding.

See what we are doing to mitigate Flooding in East Devon.

Please keep an eye on the weather forecast and Environment Agency advice. The Met Office share weather warnings, and you can sign up to receive these and flood alerts in your inbox.

Other predicted health impacts are that The UK will become more suitable for the survival of disease vector species of public health importance, such as Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), and that food imports and prices, particularly for fruits and vegetables, are likely to rise.

Many adverse health impacts of climate change are avoidable through mitigation and others are preventable through effective adaptation. Local authorities have been advised to focus on active transport and nature-based solutions as mitigations and adaptations.

We will work with partners and engage with national services such as the Adverse Weather and Health Plan and local initiatives such as the Devon Food Partnership and Devon Carbon Plan – Devon Climate Emergency.