Climate Change and Antibiotic Resistance: A Looming Global Health Crisis

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Climate change poses a significant and multifaceted threat to human health, and one of the less discussed but increasingly concerning aspects of this threat is its connection to antibiotic resistance. Climate change and antibiotic resistance are two intertwined global health crises that, when combined, create a potent and deadly challenge. Here’s how climate change is linked to antibiotic resistance:

1. Impact on Disease Patterns: Climate change can alter the distribution and prevalence of infectious diseases. As temperatures rise, certain disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes and ticks) can expand their geographical range. This can lead to the spread of diseases that may require antibiotic treatment. For example, diseases like Lyme disease and various tropical infections are spreading to new areas, potentially increasing the demand for antibiotics.

2. Increased Infections: Extreme weather events associated with climate change, such as floods and storms, can lead to waterborne diseases and injuries that may require antibiotic treatment. Disruption of healthcare infrastructure during such events can also lead to improper antibiotic use and the emergence of resistance. 

3. Impacts on Agriculture: Climate change affects agriculture by altering temperature and precipitation patterns. Farmers may resort to increased antibiotic use in livestock as a preventive measure or to compensate for stressors like heat, which can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals and potentially transfer them to humans through the food chain.

4. Disruption of Healthcare: Climate-related disasters can disrupt healthcare systems, making it challenging to provide proper diagnosis and treatment for infections. This can lead to the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, which is a significant driver of antibiotic resistance.

5. Human Migration: Climate change can trigger human migration, including displacement due to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. Crowded and unsanitary living conditions in refugee camps and temporary shelters can facilitate the spread of infections, leading to increased antibiotic use and resistance.

6. Spread of Resistant Bacteria: Climate change can influence the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. For example, warmer temperatures can enhance bacterial growth and survival in water sources, soil, and food, potentially increasing the prevalence of resistant strains.

7. Antibiotic Supply Chain Vulnerabilities:  Agricultural practices affected by climate change may increase antibiotic use in animals, contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the food chain.
Climate change can disrupt supply chains for pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, potentially limiting access to life-saving antibiotics Extreme weather events, transportation disruptions, and other climate-related factors can disrupt the production and distribution of antibiotics, potentially limiting access to these critical medications. Addressing the connection between climate change and antibiotic resistance requires a comprehensive approach that includes:

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Mitigating climate change by reducing emissions is essential to limit the environmental stressors that contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Improved Public Health Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare systems to withstand climate-related challenges, ensuring access to proper healthcare, and promoting responsible antibiotic use are critical components of managing both climate change and antibiotic resistance.

Surveillance and Research: Continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns, infectious diseases, and their links to climate change is essential for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.

Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the links between climate change, infectious diseases, and antibiotic resistance can empower individuals and communities to act and advocate for responsible antibiotic use.

In conclusion, climate change is a complex and interconnected challenge that exacerbates various threats to human health, including antibiotic resistance. Combating these issues requires a coordinated effort at local, national, and global levels to mitigate climate change, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote responsible antibiotic use.

About the author

Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She has been working on her PhD research project  “The role of Helicobacter pylori intestinal microbiota in the development of liver diseases. under supervision of Dr. Pirjo Spuul at Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology.,TalTech. Her current research interests include Molecular Medicine, cell biology, infectious diseases, bacteriology, hepatology, and gastroenterology. I believe in the mission of public health, safety, and awareness.