When discussing climate change, most people first think of heatwaves, melting glaciers, and floods. However, a lesser-known but equally dangerous effect of global warming is its impact on diseases that are transmitted among humans and animals. Research in recent years shows that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a direct threat to our health.

How Do Climate Changes Affect Diseases?

Scientists, in a major study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, analyzed as many as 375 different infectious diseases affecting people worldwide. They found that 218 (58% of all) have become more frequent or severe due to the consequences of climate change.

These changes occur in various ways. When floods occur, the number of mosquitoes carrying diseases like malaria and chikungunya increases. During droughts, bats move closer to settlements more often, transmitting viruses to humans. As oceans warm, bacteria like Vibrio, causing cholera, multiply. Heatwaves weaken the immune system and increase people's vulnerability to infections.

These are no longer just theories. These are things that are already happening. The lead researcher, Camilo Mora, bluntly stated: This is not a prediction, but a description of the reality we are already living.

Real-World Examples

Stories from recent years are remarkably clear. In 2016, in Siberia, higher temperatures thawed century-old permafrost soil. This led to the exposure of a carcass of a reindeer infected with anthrax. A child who touched the animal got infected, triggering a minor epidemic in the region. Anthrax is a disease historically associated with war and weapons, but here nature itself caused the old disease to resurface.

Another example comes from Colombia. There, Morino's farm was flooded, the most severe flooding ever, with water even entering the bedroom. Ideal conditions for mosquito breeding emerged, leading to an infection with the chikungunya virus. This disease causes severe joint pain similar to rheumatism. Morino survived, but still feels the consequences to this day.

What Do the Numbers Say?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of infectious diseases linked to climate change has increased by over 20% in the past 30 years.

In 2020, Africa recorded as many as 241 million cases of malaria, the highest in the past decade.

A study conducted in 2025 by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Institute for Global Health showed that the risk of new infectious diseases occurring increases by 12% each time the average global temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius.

Why Is This Also Our Problem?

You might think these are issues in Africa, South America, or Siberia, but unfortunately, that's not the case. Changes are happening everywhere, even around us. The floods we experienced in 2023 not only caused damage to homes and roads but also increased the risk of infection with waterborne bacteria. Statistics show that the number of gastrointestinal infections, especially in children and the elderly, increased in flood-affected areas.

Ticks are also becoming more active. The tick season nowadays lasts almost three months longer than 20 years ago, raising the risk of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

A Look Back in History

Ancient physicians over 2000 years ago already knew that the weather affects diseases. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, wrote that heat-related diseases occur in hot weather, while cold-related ones occur in cold weather. Back then, they were not aware of viruses and bacteria, but they observed the connection between the environment and health.

Today, we have vast amounts of data confirming this. The question is: why aren't we acting fast enough, knowing what we do?

Why Are Doctors Warning About Climate Change?

Co-author of the study, Jonathan Pac, Director of the Institute for Global Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, emphasized: As the climate changes, so does the risk of infections. Other experts, like Carlos del Rio from Emory University, warn that we must address climate change as a sickness of the Earth, with its symptoms including infectious diseases.

Del Rio stated in a press release: The findings are alarming. Unless we treat climate change as a priority, we are facing a catastrophe.

How Can We Help Ourselves Cheaply and Effectively at Home

Although climate change is a global issue, you can also take steps to reduce the risks.

• Clean Drinking Water: Our grandmothers knew that boiling water during floods is essential. This eliminates bacteria causing diarrhea and cholera.
  
  
• Protection Against Mosquitoes: Natural repellents made from essential oils (lemon grass, eucalyptus) have been proven to reduce the number of bites. A study in Malaysia in 2021 confirmed that citronella oil can reduce mosquito bites by 42% in the first two hours after application.
  
  
• Boosting the Immune System: Regular consumption of garlic, honey, and ginger. Folk medicine was right; a 2020 study in India showed that garlic extracts can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 25%.
  
  
• Herbal Teas: Elderflower tea and linden tea reduce fever and boost resistance.

These are not substitutes for medicine but are inexpensive and accessible measures that help reduce the risk if you find yourself in an environment where infectious diseases spread rapidly.

Earth is Sick, but a Solution Exists

Global warming is no longer a distant threat but a reality we live in today. The increased spread of infectious diseases is one of the most obvious signs that the Earth is changing.

While we cannot fight climate change alone, we can do a lot to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This means ensuring clean water, protecting ourselves from insects, strengthening immunity with food and herbs, and supporting measures that reduce pollution and global warming.

The truth is, Earth's health is directly intertwined with our health. By safeguarding nature, we will also safeguard ourselves.