Climatic changes induced by anthropogenic increases in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases could have substantial impacts on human health and the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. In order to assess such impacts, climate change information is needed at the regional scale. In this paper we provide a discussion of the tools and methodologies today available to produce regional climate change information along with a review of the more robust regional climate change patterns indicated by the latest-generation model simulations. We also present an analysis of the uncertainties underlying the simulation of climate change. The discussion is presented within the context of the use of climate change scenarios at the global to regional scale for studies of human health and disease impacts.

Full Article: http://www.stanford.edu/~omramom/Giorgi_CR_08.pdf

Last Updated: 2009-09-18