(MENAFN) Belgium faces escalating threats to its economy, public health, and national security if urgent climate adaptation measures are not implemented, according to a major assessment released on Thursday by a leading climate institute.

The Belgian Climate Risk Assessment (BRCA) highlights that without immediate action, the country could experience thousands of heat-related deaths, repeated damage to infrastructure, disruptions to food and water supplies, and an increased risk of pandemics linked to exotic mosquito species.

"The question is no longer if climate disasters will happen, but when and how we will respond. This demands a shift in mindset in which climate change is considered a fundamental and society-wide threat for national security," the report stated.

Cerac called on Belgian authorities to establish a coordinated, nationwide adaptation strategy to manage the cross-sectoral risks posed by climate change.

The report identifies vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income groups, farmers, and urban residents, as the first to be affected by rising temperatures and extreme weather. However, the institute emphasized that the consequences will eventually extend across all segments of society.

Health risks are expected to rise sharply, with over 1,000 additional heat-related deaths projected annually even under the most favorable scenarios. Higher temperatures are also likely to exacerbate allergies, air pollution, and mental health challenges, while diseases such as avian flu, bluetongue, dengue, and chikungunya are expected to occur more frequently.

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