Global heating and increased solar ultraviolet irradiance have caused an increase in number of many diseases, particularly
skin malignant diseases. Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of climate changes on the health of
the population of the Primorsko-goranska and Istria Counties. We gathered and analyzed data about the frequency of
skin malignant melanoma in the period of eight years (1998–2005). The data were collected from the Croatian cancer
registry. The incidence of malignant skin cancer was estimated overall, by age group and gender. We found that the incidence
of the skin melanoma was approximately the same in both counties during the period 1998–2005. However, significant
increase has been noted when compared to the situation in the period 1977–1996 (p=4.95 E–13) The incidence of
malignant skin melanoma has risen during the last ten years. It is differently distributed between gender and age groups
in Primorsko-goranska and Istria County. It can be related to climate changes, but also to different ways way of life between
these two counties.