Recognizing the Effect of Ecosystem Disruption on Human Health and Neurodevelopment

Abstract

The topics of climate change and ecosystem disruption are at the forefront of global discussion. Accordingly, there is a sense of urgency among citizens, environmental experts, and political leaders for action and policy change. While the effect of a changing climate on the environment is well recognized, its impact on the human body has not been sufficiently described. In our review, we will attempt to outline some of these effects. We will discuss how the recent surge of immunologic disease may be related to the changing profile of microorganisms and antigens in our every-day environment. We will explore how the introduction of antibiotics may result in an altered gut microbiome, and subsequently abnormal neurodevelopment. Finally, we will discuss a possible link between chemical preservatives and neoplastic disease.

Climate Change and Human Health: A Review of Allergies, Autoimmunity and the Microbiome

“…The development and maintenance of this immune tolerance is critical, as loss or failure of tolerance can result in disorders such as autoimmunity, allergy, respiratory illnesses such as rhinitis or asthma, and even irritable bowel syndrome. As described in our prior article [ 14 ], climate change has dramatically altered the profile of antigens our bodies are exposed to. While many of these antigens are benign, it is possible that the extent of this change has overwhelmed the immune system’s long-standing ability for antigen-specific tolerance, and the increasing molecular mimicry due in part to increasing exposure to allergens, is leading to a rise in immunologic disease.…”