When the Heat is On: The Surge of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-transmitted diseases take a heavy toll on global health, causing millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. As we learned earlier, climate change is reshaping mosquito populations and helping diseases spread across the globe. The biggest climate change driver is greenhouse gas emissions from animal-people livestock-raising activities. Research shows that shifting to vegan diets could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 87%.

But how exactly do rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affect mosquitoes and disease transmission? Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects, meaning their body temperature depends on their surroundings. This makes them highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. As the planet heats up, more regions become welcoming homes for mosquitoes, allowing them to breed for longer periods and expand into new areas. Warmer weather can also speed up mosquito growth and boost their numbers, leading to larger populations capable of transmitting diseases more effectively.

Other climate change effects like flooding and drought also play a big role. Flooding creates standing water pools, which are perfect mosquito breeding grounds. On the other hand, droughts often prompt people to store water, unintentionally creating small containers where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Deforestation alters natural ecosystems and exacerbates global warming. The loss of trees allow certain mosquito species to thrive in newly disturbed areas. This also brings mosquitoes and humans closer together, raising the risk of disease transmission.

There are simple steps we can take to protect ourselves in the meantime. Getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds is one of the best defenses. Emptying out standing water from birdbaths, gutters, and plant saucers can stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Installing screen doors and window nets helps keep them out of our homes, while natural repellents like citronella, lavender, or neem oil offer a chemical-free way to ward off bites. Wearing long sleeves during dawn and dusk – when mosquitoes are most active – adds another layer of protection. By combining these habits with efforts to fight climate change, we can lower mosquito populations and lessen disease risks both now and in the future. Embracing a vegan diet, cutting down on food waste, and supporting eco-friendly practices are simple yet impactful ways to help slow climate change.