Water
Everywhere in the world, there is a big demand for water and in many regions, such as Africa, there is sometimes not enough water for the people. Three billion more people could suffer increased water shortages by 2080. In Britain, the Southeast will be at risk from drought.
Growing food
Climate change will affect the types of crops grown in different regions around the world. Some crops, such as wheat and rice grow better in higher temperatures, but other plants, such as maize and sugarcane do not. Changes in the amount of rainfall will also affect how many plants grow.
These changes may lead to some countries not having enough food. Brazil, parts of Africa, south-east Asia and China will be affected the most and many people could suffer from hunger.
Disease
Global warming may also increase the risk of some infectious diseases, particularly those that appear only in warm areas. As temperatures increase, nasty diseases like malaria are starting to spread because the changing climate favours the mosquito that carries it about.
Rainforests
Higher temperatures and reduced rainfall could mean the loss of large areas of Brazilian and southern African rainforest. These forests currently absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and are crucial in helping us combat change. Hot weather can also increase the number of forest fires and make it very difficult to put them out. |
