The causal linkages between climate variability and change and incidence of WBDs follow multiple direct and indirect pathways, often as part of a cascading series of risks . For example, extreme precipitation can result in a cascading hazard or disease event with implications of greater magnitude than the initial hazard, especially if there are pre-existing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and human populations . Intense or prolonged precipitation can flush pathogens in the environment from pastures and fields to groundwater, rivers and lakes, consequently infiltrating water treatment and distribution systems . Table Box 7.3.1 shows the variety and complexity of pathways between climate hazard and WBD outcomes .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report