Over half of known human pathogenic diseases can be aggravated by climate change

Camilo Mora (), Tristan McKenzie, Isabella M. Gaw, Jacqueline M. Dean, Hannah Hammerstein, Tabatha A. Knudson, Renee O. Setter, Charlotte Z. Smith, Kira M. Webster, Jonathan A. Patz and Erik C. Franklin
Additional contact information
Camilo Mora: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Tristan McKenzie: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Isabella M. Gaw: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Jacqueline M. Dean: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Hannah Hammerstein: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Tabatha A. Knudson: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Renee O. Setter: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Charlotte Z. Smith: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Kira M. Webster: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Jonathan A. Patz: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Erik C. Franklin: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Nature Climate Change, 2022, vol. 12, issue 9, 869-875

Abstract: Abstract It is relatively well accepted that climate change can affect human pathogenic diseases; however, the full extent of this risk remains poorly quantified. Here we carried out a systematic search for empirical examples about the impacts of ten climatic hazards sensitive to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on each known human pathogenic disease. We found that 58% (that is, 218 out of 375) of infectious diseases confronted by humanity worldwide have been at some point aggravated by climatic hazards; 16% were at times diminished. Empirical cases revealed 1,006 unique pathways in which climatic hazards, via different transmission types, led to pathogenic diseases. The human pathogenic diseases and transmission pathways aggravated by climatic hazards are too numerous for comprehensive societal adaptations, highlighting the urgent need to work at the source of the problem: reducing GHG emissions.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-022-01426-1

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