It is now widely accepted that carbon emission from human activities is an important driving force in global warming, and global change has a deep impact on sustainable development of human society. To meet the challenges of global change, the international community has reached a consensus that developed countries take strict actions in emission reduction, whereas developing countries take spontaneous efforts in reducing emissions under the guiding principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with an agreed goal to restrict global surface temperature increase due to human activities to within 2℃ of pre-industrial levels. However, there is no clear pathway to reach this goal. A number of related questions must be addressed on principles to be followed, research emphasis and policy measures. Here we argue that response policies to address global change issues must be based on balanced development at regional and international levels, and on advancements in science and technology. This requires consideration of harmony not only between humans and nature but also within human societies, to properly deal with the relationship between global change and sustainable development. We must make equal efforts toward carbon emission reduction and carbon sequestration, and toward mitigation and adaptation. There should be more research support to reduce uncertainties in our understanding of global change. Addressing the challenges of global change creates great opportunities for the development of human society. This will facilitate transformation of energy use structure, improve and restore ecological functioning of the earth environment, transform production modes and ways of living in human society, and promote harmonic and balanced development at regional and international levels.
Global change,which refers to large-scale changes in the earth system and human society,has been changing the outbreak and transmission mode of many infectious diseases.Climate change affects infectious diseases directly and indirectly.Meteorological factors including temperature,precipitation,humidity and radiation influence infectious disease by modulating pathogen,host and transmission pathways.Meteorological disasters such as droughts and floods directly impact the outbreak and transmission of infectious diseases.Climate change indirectly impacts infectious diseases by altering the ecological system,including its underlying surface and vegetation distribution.In addition,anthropogenic activities are a driving force for climate change and an indirect forcing of infectious disease transmission.International travel and rural-urban migration are a root cause of infectious disease transmission.Rapid urbanization along with poor infrastructure and high disease risk in the rural-urban fringe has been changing the pattern of disease outbreaks and mortality.Land use changes,such as agricultural expansion and deforestation,have already changed the transmission of infectious disease.Accelerated air,road and rail transportation development may not only increase the transmission speed of outbreaks,but also enlarge the scope of transmission area.In addition,more frequent trade and other economic activities will also increase the potential risks of disease outbreaks and facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
