Vulnerability and adaptation studies have shown that global climate change has a serious impact on health, which has, in-turn, a direct impact on the economy of a country. Until recently the health impact of the accompanying changes in natural phenomena due to global climate change, through an increase in contaminating tropical diseases and the frequency and scale of natural disasters was ignored. This is because it was thought that either it is too difficult to establish direct cause-effect relationships, or placing monetary values on those health effects was not possible. Under conditions of natural disasters, it is generally the poor and, within a South African context, the historically disadvantaged communities, who suffers the most since they are unable to hedge or protect themselves against the consequences of these health hazards, such as cholera and malaria. Efforts to reduce the consequences of climate change in developing countries are mostly ignored. Having said the above, the direct impact of global climate change on health in South Africa are substantial. The focus of this study is to explore the economic impact of global climate change on the South African economy through its impact on public health. It is also envisaged that the long-term chronic impacts are determined and the direct and indirect cost of such impacts is estimated.
Learning Objectives: Environmental economists with special interest in health issues and health reform could benefit from this presentation. Attendance to this sesion can expect an analysis which include an evaluation and estimation of the economic effect of global climate change on the health sector in South Arica.
Keywords: Climate Change, Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.