Experts working in climate change research have recently forecast negative impacts of climate change on economic development, the environment, biodiversity and the health of humankind.

They stressed that the situation requires effective measures for mitigating and addressing consequences.

According to Professor Nguyen Ngoc Lung from the Research Institute for Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Certificate, global warming brings about changes in weather and climate, resulting in shifts in the seasonal structure. He cited heavy rain and landslides outside the realms of natural law as examples.

The storm in Ca Mau in 1997, serious floods in central and Central Highlands provinces in 2009 and 2013, and violent drought in southern central localities since the beginning of this year were also mentioned as evidence of the situation.

Meteorologists said these have been the most serious natural phenomenon over the last 20 years.

Professor Truong Quang Hoc from the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment said the increasing global warming also changes the boundaries of ecosystems, endangering a number of fauna and flora species.

Drought, forest fire and floods, which are consequences of climate change, can cause a drop in the number of species, experts said.

Climate change is considered a risk to agricultural development and water resources as it causes various impacts on crops, cultivation area planning, irrigation systems, productivity and output of farm produce.

Additionally, climate change also leads to negative community health impacts through direct and indirect forces. The elderly and ill are most vulnerable to the situation.

According to the World Health Organisation, as many as 11 key infectious diseases are influenced by climate change worldwide, including malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.

VNA