Climate change and UV radiation

Climate change also has serious consequences for people and the environment in Germany. Disasters such as floods, storms, droughts or heatwaves that are extremely harmful to human health and the environment place a significant burden on the healthcare system and the welfare of the general public. Not as obvious, however, are the impacts of climate change that have a continuous effect on people and are slowly exacerbating the situation. One such impact is the change in UV radiation exposure due to climate change, which is contributing to steadily increasing UV radiation exposure for everyone in Germany and therefore to a steadily increasing risk of UV-related diseases such as skin or eye cancer. Based on current scientific insights into the climate impact “UV-related damage to health”, the Climate Impact and Risk Analysis for Germany in 2021 therefore attested to a high level of climate risk and a correspondingly urgent need for action. Strategies for adapting to the health impacts of climate change should therefore focus on measures aimed at preventing UV- and heat-related diseases and especially eye and skin cancer – as recommended in the oncological S3 guideline “Prevention of skin cancer”.