WASHINGTON, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A majority of U.S. health department directors believe their city or county will have serious public health problems as a result of climate change within the next 20 years, according to the results of a new survey released Tuesday by George Mason University.

    However, very few of them have planned or implemented activities to detect, prevent or adapt to these health threats, said the survey.

    "Our research shows that most, if not all, local health departments are going to require assistance in making climate change adaptation and prevention a priority and must take action now to ensure climate change does not become an increasing global threat," says Edward Maibach, the lead researcher.

    Their study, which will be published this week in the journal Public Library of Science ONE, reveals that most health department directors believed that threats such as heat waves or heat-related illnesses, reduced air quality and reduced water quality or quantity were most likely to become more common or severe as a result of climate change.

    The study also suggests that several key factors may contribute to local health departments' lack of preparedness. Most survey respondents felt that the personnel in their health department -- and other key stakeholders in their community -- had a lack of knowledge about climate change, that little help was currently available from state and federal public health officials, and that they needed additional funding, staff and staff training to respond effectively to climate change.