The incidence of malaria could increase with the expansion of habitats suitable for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, while increased surface temperatures could lead to mortalities and higher incidences of infectious diseases and respiratory diseases. Mkhize warned further that climate-change-related increase in pests and diseases would also have a detrimental effect on the agricultural sector, and invasive plants could become a greater problem.
Climate change may also affect storms that produce flood events, and the rise in sea levels has already resulted in developed areas being submerged under water. Water shortages are predicted and increased salinisation of groundwater and estuaries will leave less freshwater for humans, agriculture and ecosystems. Climate change has altered the way in which countries view economic growth. Nations are increasingly being held accountable regarding their carbon emissions and thus must explore cleaner sources of energy, said Mkhize.
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