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Extreme weather events require precautions and adaptation
Climate change leads to extreme weather events which pose health risks. On the occasion of an international symposium in Bonn Environment State Secretary Jürgen Becker said: ”Taking precautions against climate change is our top priority. Adapting quickly to changed conditions is necessary, and it is feasible.” Dr Srdan Matic, Environment and Health Coordinator for the WHO Regional Office for Europe, added: "In the last two decades, over 112 000 deaths have been reported in the WHO European Region as a consequence of natural disasters. Climate change contributes to an increase in the frequency of heat-waves, floods and droughts which will lead to an additional burden on health services and communities". Dr. Paul Becker, Vice President of the German Meteorological Service (DWD), commented: “The summer of 2010 turned out to be a season of extremes. Storms, floods and heat often have impacts on human health.” read more
