Climate Change and Infectious Disease

Seth Jefson

            Since the industrial revolution, an era that saw humankind erupt in a fury of productivity and prosperity near, during, and after the turn of the 19th century, enterprises have often disregarded (or were ignorant to) environmental consequences of their increased output. As the calendar rolled over into the 1900s, negative consequences caused by both the growth in industry as well as a lack of foresight to their effect on the environment, local instances environmental destabilization began to take center stage. The infamous Love Canal incident in New York state during the 1950s opened the nation’s eyes to the repercussions of unchecked disposal of harmful waste on behalf of a careless company. The subsequent evacuation of the developmental neighborhood may have saved many people from long-term health defects. Health issues (including heightened rates of leukemia) in the area were detrimental to the community. Despite the public outrage of the tragedy, it is true that the incident was a local one.  

            What happens, though, when the consequences of negligent industry are not local and not relatively easily mitigated? Well, we may be living through such a tragedy. There is currently no reliable research that links the COVID-19 pandemic to any human-caused change in the environment, but scientists have been warning that the rate of new infectious disease discovery has positively correlated with rising surface temperatures. The causes of this rise are believed to stem from a decrease in biodiversity and the destruction of natural barriers that have shielded the human population in the past. In short, the civilized and natural worlds have grown closer. The warning signs of an event similar to that which we have been living since March (in the U.S.) have been apparent to scientists that study the origin and spread of infectious diseases according to journalist Abraham Lustgarten, “Scientists have, however, been studying the coronaviruses of southern China for years and warning that swift climate and environmental change there — in both loss of biodiversity and encroachment by civilization — was going to help new viruses jump to people” (propublica.org). The fact is our impact on the environment is negatively impacting our day-to-day lives.

            It may be proven that the COVID-19 pandemic currently tearing through much of the developed world is not linked to human impact on the environment. It is equally as plausible to assume the next major human health crisis is a by-product of human activity. We must come together to reduce unmanageable change to the environment to ensure the health and safety of billions.

Article Citation

 Lustgarten, Abrahm. "How Climate Change Is Contributing to Skyrocketing Rates of Infectious Disease." ProPublica. Web. 29 Oct. 2020.