Governments and companies may face law suits for their role in global warming and consequent damage to health and communities.

Moreover, these claims have a good chance of succeeding, says University of Adelaide research.

The scientific evidence for the effects of global warming indicates the legal basis of potential legal claims since the scientific evidence showing the “human signature” on global warming was great - similarly to linking cigarette smoking with cancer.

“The potential grounds of liability are now quite clear and the scientific evidence is at a point where, in many cases, it would meet the legal requirements for civil standards of proof, that is the balance of probability being greater than 50%,” Dr Joseph Smith said.

Recently, a law suit in California was filed against six major car manufacturers seeking monetary damages for their alleged contributions to global warming and the harm to the environment, economy and public health.

“Major grounds against companies could include negligence, product liability, nuisance, breach of directors’ duties and liability under environmental pollution statutes. For governments, actions are likely to be based in administrative laws for failing to fulfil statutory obligations to protect the environment,” Dr Smith said.

Emeritus Professor David Shearman said there was clear evidence for the effects of global warming on human health such as increasing deaths through heat stress, and injury from storm and tempest, as well as the impact of large communities losing areas of productive lands.