Could Climate Crisis Lead to Novel Pandemics?

Abstract

Climate, an integral part of life, varies by region. Climate change and deterioration could lead to significant problems. The Industrial Revolution introduced anthropogenic factors in climate change for the first time in the 19th century. Due to the increase in energy requirements, large volumes of greenhouse gases were released into the atmosphere due to the utilization of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. The Industrial Revolution led to rapid climate change and environmental problems. The consequences of these problems are felt in our age. The most affected area is human health by the climate crisis. Its effect on health could be direct or indirect. Infectious diseases that spread globally, crossing both international and intercontinental borders, are described as pandemics. Today, infectious diseases continue to be the most common cause of death in developed countries.Population growth, unplanned urbanization, consumption of unhealthy industrial food items, high exposure toradiation, air pollution and climate change play a role in the development of pandemics. It was reported that climate change altered intra-species interaction and increased the risk of infection. Nations should adopt various measures to mitigate the effects of climate change to preserve public health and minimize human loss or health risks. The present study aimed to determine whether we should expect novel pandemics due to the climate crisis induced by climate change. Thus, studies on the issue were reviewed and the findings are discussed in the present study.