World of weather: climate change could increase the risk of human illness

Scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have unveiled new research on how climate change could increase the risk of human illness originating from ocean, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.

Several studies are currently shedding light on how, as the climate warms, complex interactions in sea, land and sky are making our aquatic environments more susceptible to toxic algal blooms. One of these studies looked at the likely incidence of blooms of Alexandrium catenella, more commonly known as “red tide”. These algae produce a poison called saxitoxin that can accumulate in shellfish. If eaten by humans, it can cause vomiting and muscle paralysis and in extreme cases be fatal. Changes in the harmful algal bloom season appear to be imminent, with a significant increase in atrisk environments expected within 30 years, possibly the next decade.

By the end of the 21st century, blooms may begin up to two months earlier in the year and persist a month longer than their present-day timespan of July to October.

The good news is it is now possible to get earlier, more accurate warnings of these potentially harmful blooms. The bad news is that there likely to be a lot more harmful blooms to predict. World of Weather with Liz Bentley Dr Liz Bentley is founder of theWeather Club, formed by the Royal Meteorological Society. Visit theWeatherClub.org.uk for more information.

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