Munich

Global warming is damaging natural systems across the whole planet, according to a report from the international group of scientists charged with studying climate change.

All continents will suffer economically, the report says, but Africa, Asia, South America and the small island states will be most affected.

The report is the second in a series of three from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Some natural systems, including glaciers and coral reefs, “may undergo significant and irreversible damage”, the panel says.

In particular, the scientists predict a reduction in crop yields in warm countries, decreased water availability in regions where water is already scarce, an increase in flooding risks, and the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera.

The “impacts of future changes in climate extremes are expected to fall disproportionately on the poor”, they add.