Food Production. The food we eat comes directly or indirectly from plant production. We eat plants directly (e.g. wheat, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruits) or indirectly (by eating meat that comes from animals that have eaten corn, soyabeans or grass). All plants are affected by the temperature and precipitation regimes where they are grown. For example, rice is the staple food for the Asian population. If southern Asia becomes too hot for rice cultivation, many people will be at risk of malnutrition.

Water Resources. Rainfall directly affects the amount of water in rivers and lakes and temperature affects how the water evaporates and how it is used. Humans and ecosystems rely on the availability of water and many regions of the globe suffer severe water shortages now.  The health issues related to potential reductions in water quantity and quality are enormous.

Economy. Almost all sectors of the economy are affected directly or indirectly by climate. A few examples include:  Insurance companies may not insure buildings in areas where flood risk increases.  Energy requirements for air conditioning will increase with great implications for the energy sector.  Tourism will also be affected.  Many winter sports resorts will close as less snow is predicted in the Alps.