New Zealanders need to start thinking about the effects climate change will have on their health, according to a new report out today.
A new report says that's because the impact will bring new diseases and emotional hardship.
The final in a series of three reports by Royal Society Te Aparangi reveals the physical and mental health of many New Zealanders will be negatively affected by environmental changes expected here by 2050.
"Direct effects of climate change, such as increased exposure to heat, waves and weather events, including flooding and fires, will affect our health," says Royal Society Te Aparangi President Professor Richard Bedford.
"There will also be indirect effects, such as reduced water safety or challenges to our mental health."
Experts have told 1 NEWS climate change threatens our clean water supplies and biosecurity through the introduction of new species of pests and mosquitoes.
"Another public health risk is an increase in infectious disease if disease carriers can spread and better survive in New Zealand with a changing climate," Professor Bedford says.
The Ministry of Health is welcoming the report, 'Human Health Impacts of Climate Change for NZ.'
A spokesperson says the report will be useful in helping shape policies and programmes on mitigating the effects on humans and the health sector.
The Mental Health Foundation says resilience will be a key attribute in enabling New Zealanders to adapt to the changes and challenges presented by climate change.
The foundation is encouraging citizens of all ages to adopt the wellbeing strategies of giving, being active, continuing to learn, connecting and taking notice.
The foundation's chief executive, Shaun Robinson, says these strategies foster resilience and aid the process of accepting change.
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