There’s no direct evidence global warming will directly increase the infectiousness of airborne viruses, and therefore the speed of pandemics. However, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health does believe they may be bad companions. We examine whether climate change could affect COVID spread, and discover several reasons it could do so indirectly.
Does Climate Change Affect the Transmission of the Virus?
Harvard T H Chan confirms climate change is affecting our interface with other species. Our health, and our risk of infection come under threat as animals head for cooler climates closer to the poles. They may come in contact with other species in new habitats for the first time. And this presents fresh opportunities for pathogens to find new hosts.
Climate change could also affect COVID-19 spread by causing loss of forests, and plants on which animals feed. They could migrate into cultivated land, and infect commercial livestock and people tending them. It appears likely consuming meat not properly cooked may have caused the coronavirus to cross over in China.
Could Climate Change Air Pollution Affect COVID Spread?
By now it is becoming abundantly clear that global warming is increasing the likelihood, and ferocity of runaway forest fires. However, these do more than release stored carbon into the atmosphere. They also release airborne particles, increasing the risk of severe respiratory illnesses.
Harvard T H Chan states unequivocally that air pollution is a danger for people with compromised health. And also for the homeless, and those without air filtration in their homes. Global warming and health are in a dangerous, threatening relationship. We can choose to deny either or both. However we do so at the risk of our health, even our life!
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