Infectious diseases will seed new ground as the planet warms — here's where they'll spread
Climate change will increase our exposure to myriad infections, from tick-borne diseases to drug-resistant bacterial infections.
As the planet warms, infectious diseases are poised to spread to new areas, with researchers warning that climate change could accelerate the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increase the risk of vector-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. In drought-stricken regions, soil microbes may evolve to become more resistant to antibiotics, while mild winters and rising temperatures could allow ticks and mosquitoes to survive longer and transmit diseases to new areas.
Public health officials are concerned that the combined effects of climate change, reduced healthcare access, and eroding nutrition could lead to a surge in infectious diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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