ASSESSMENT OF FUTURE HEALTH DAMAGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNDERNOURISHMENT UNDER THE LATEST SCENARIO FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Climate change is predicted to reduce future crop yield through a change in the amount of precipitation and have impact on food security. The risks of health damage attributable to undernourishment under climate change need to be quantified. This study assesses health damage using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) under the latest climate change scenario. A model for estimating DALYs attributable to childhood underweight (DAtU) is developed using the relationship between DAtU and childhood stunting. The results show that socioeconomic condition has greater impact on future health damage than climate change though there are various uncertainties. Differences in the projected amount of precipitation have an impact on the results especially in South Asia. Other climate conditions and differences in global economic models can also be critical factors for future health damage.