Report: Global Warming Causes 300,000 Deaths A Year, Toll to Increase

Climate change is already responsible for 300,000 deaths a year and is affecting 300 million people, according to the first comprehensive study of the human impact of global warming.

It projects that increasingly severe heat waves, floods, storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as 500,000 deaths a year by 2030, making it the greatest humanitarian challenge the world faces.

Economic losses due to climate change today amount to more than $125 billion a year - more than all the present world aid. The report comes from former UN secretary general Kofi Annans think tank, the Global Humanitarian Forum. By 2030, the report says, climate change could cost $600 billion a year. If emissions are not brought under control, within 25 years, the report states:

• 310 million more people will suffer adverse health consequences related to temperature increases;

• 20 million more people will fall into poverty;

• 75 million extra people will be displaced by climate change.

Climate change is expected to have the most severe impact on water supplies.