Rising global temperatures might already be helping infectious diseases to creep north, according to a report by European scientists. The report links warmer temperatures to the spread of dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria and even human plague in Europe. "Fundamental influences of climate change on infectious disease can already be discerned and it is likely that new vectors and pathogens will emerge and become established in Europe within the next few years," says the report by the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The independent group is formed of 26 national science academies from across the European Union. United Nations climate experts recommend cutting carbon emissions to prevent the rise of global temperatures beyond 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. But the prospects of success look poor, with international climate negotiations making slow progress. When temperatures rise, the insects that spread disease mature faster and produce more offspring, the report says.

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