(May 15, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century and requires immediate attention, according to a report launched jointly by The Lancet and University College London.

Here are some facts about climate change from the WHO:

•       11 of the past 12 years have been the warmest since climate records began being kept in the 1850s

•       In recent decades, the rates of warming and sea level rising have accelerated

•       Some regions have experienced increased precipitation, while others have seen an increased frequency and severity of droughts.

Experts in health, anthropology, geography, engineering, economics, law, and philosophy from the University College London evaluated the likely global impact of climate change. They explored the potential impact of global warming occurring within the range of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius.

They determined that global climate change is a health issue affecting billions of people. Its effects will likely include more widespread distribution of diseases, increased deaths rates from heatwaves, threats to food and water security, increasing flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events, and catastrophic rising sea levels. To help remedy the problem, they suggest three action points: add health issues to the ongoing global warming debate, work to improve and equalize worldwide health systems, and develop win-win strategies for adapting to climate change that contribute to human health and quality of life.

Today's story highlights the widespread global threat that climate change places on human health and well being.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.