KUALA LUMPUR (ASRN.ORG) - A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that climate change directly or indirectly contributes to about 77 000 deaths annually in Asia and the Pacific -- about half of the world total attributed to climate change.

Dr Shigeru Omi, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, stated: ''We have now reached a critical stage in which global warming has already seriously impacted lives and health, and this problem will pose an even greater threat to mankind in coming decades if we fail to act now.''

According to the study, "among the potential effects of global warming would be the appearance of mosquitoes where they were previously absent, with the accompanying threat of malaria and dengue fever. Some regions might be at risk of reduced rainfall, causing a shortage of fresh water and introducing the danger of waterborne diseases. Millions of people could be at risk of malnutrition and hunger if arable lands become unworkable".

WHO's study noted that the "increasing frequency of summer heat waves in temperate zones (Europe in 2003 and Asia in 2004), and typhoons, hurricanes and floods throughout the world are signs of changing weather and climate patterns."

With global mean temperature forecast to increase by as much as six degrees Celsius by the end of the century, nations are being urged to take steps now to face the problem.

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