Climate change and disease: a growing global health crisis

Climate change is not only transforming the environment; it is also fueling the emergence and spread of diseases that affect millions of people around the world. From vector-borne diseases to respiratory problems and outbreaks of emerging infections, global warming has created conditions ripe for these health threats to intensify.

Vector-borne diseases

Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have expanded the geographic areas where mosquitoes and other vectors thrive. This has led to an increase in diseases such as:

• Dengue and chikungunya: The proliferation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes has brought these diseases to regions where they were previously uncommon.

• Malaria: Although traditionally concentrated in tropical regions, global warming is allowing the Anopheles mosquito to invade higher altitudes and new areas.

• Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis: These diseases, transmitted by insects and snails, are seeing an increase due to changes in aquatic habitats and wildlife.

Respiratory diseases

Air pollution and forest fires, aggravated by climate change, are linked to an increase in chronic and acute respiratory diseases. These include:

• Asthma: elevated levels of ozone and fine particulate matter in the air trigger and aggravate asthma attacks.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases COPD cases, especially in urban areas.

  
  

Emerging zoonotic diseases

Displacement of animal species, driven by habitat destruction and temperature extremes, has increased contact between humans and pathogen-carrying animals.

• Ebola: Changes in land use have led to more interactions between humans and bats, a known reservoir of the Ebola virus.

• Unknown diseases: The release of ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost poses an unpredictable threat.

Outbreaks of infections from contaminated water.

Floods and hurricanes, more frequent due to climate change, contaminate drinking water sources and contribute to diseases such as:

• Cholera: Standing water after floods is a breeding ground for Vibrio cholerae.

• Hepatitis A and E: Poor sanitary conditions during and after natural disasters spread these viral infections.

  
  

Conclusion

The link between climate change and disease is not a future projection, it is a reality we are living today. Recognizing this impact leads us to the need to take urgent action to mitigate global warming and adapt to new public health challenges.

The fight against these diseases requires a global and collaborative approach that integrates climate action and public health systems. Only in this way will we be able to confront and overcome the threats that climate change has placed on our communities.