CHANGES in temperature cause humidity and a rise in diseases such as malaria, which in turn leads to more deaths.

Illness affects productivity and employment, which in turn affects our GDP.

Our country relies on our natural resources and wildlife to attract tourism. Loss of habitat and biodiversity also negatively affects the economy.

There is also a great threat to crops such as maize, barley, sorghum, sugar cane and wheat as a result of climate change. Obviously this will affect the poorest of the poor.

Though the economic implications cannot be estimated at this point, there will be a significant reduction of production within primary economic sectors - agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

There is also concern that the water supply, energy and leisure will be in greater demand and as a result biodiversity will suffer considerably.

Countries will suffer continuous droughts, floods and hurricanes and that will claim many lives as we have seen in large parts of Asia.

Climate change will also accompany pollution of vital resources such as water and air, and it is undeniable that this in turn will directly or indirectly affect governance and political stability and will cause great human hardship.

So it is vital to weigh the effects of climate change and its impact on citizens, particularly the poorest of the poor. Commit to cut carbon emissions. It is everyone's responsibility to do their bit. Take action for our people's sake.

Duncan Moeketse, Newclare