Climate change has long been considered a threat to our planet, but recent evidence underscores its significant impact on human health, particularly in relation to infectious diseases. A recent analysis revealed that an alarming 58% of infectious diseases affecting humans can be aggravated by climatic hazards.
The ‘Climate Change and Epidemics 2023 Synthesis’ report, compiled by the Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics consortium, was launched at COP28, shedding light on the intricate links between climate change and infectious disease outbreaks.
How Climate Change Aggravates Infectious Diseases
The report identifies three main reasons why climate change may exacerbate infectious diseases. Firstly, climate change creates favourable conditions for disease vectors to thrive. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns contribute to the spread of pathogens and their vectors, resulting in the emergence of diseases in previously unaffected areas. Secondly, more frequent extreme climatic events, such as floods and droughts, can trigger surges of infections. These events often cause displacement of humans and animals and impair the provision of essential supplies and medical care. Lastly, climate-driven migration can trigger outbreaks in new regions, thereby posing additional challenges to public health systems.
Climate Change and the Rise of Superbugs
It’s not just the spread of infectious diseases that climate change is influencing. Climate change is also catalysing the emergence of superbugs, with nearly two-thirds of pathogenic diseases affecting humans being spurred by rising temperatures and climate hazards. Alarmingly, a warmer world is leading to the rampant spread of drug resistance, exacerbating the situation further. Despite this looming threat, the pharmaceutical industry appears to be withdrawing from the anti-infectives market, with only a few major companies engaging in research and development for emerging infectious diseases.
Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases
Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and cause over 700,000 deaths globally each year. Climate change, along with factors like increasing global travel and changes in land use, is contributing to the rising threat from these diseases. In the UK, the Health Security Agency is actively monitoring and managing these risks, employing strategies to minimize the opportunity for invasive species to establish themselves.
The Urgency of Global Cooperation and Innovation
Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries. There is an urgent need for expanded genomic surveillance capabilities and investments in resilient healthcare systems to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health. The lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the potential for global cooperation and innovation in addressing public health crises.
Instead of succumbing to ‘climate doomism’, we must harness these lessons and work together to confront the impending public health crisis worsened by climate change. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, has a crucial role to play, not only in expanding the accessibility and affordability of their existing products but also in recognizing their role in tackling climate change and targeting infectious diseases.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health crisis that requires immediate and concerted action. By acknowledging this link and actively working towards solutions, we can safeguard our health and the health of future generations.
Source: Medriva
