A newly published article by a student and faculty members from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) warns that climate change may be a critical, hidden factor increasing the risk of future pandemics. The research, published in the Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, systematically reviewed existing evidence linking climate change to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

The study, entitled “Is climate change the hidden catalyst behind the next pandemic? A systematic literature review on the relationship between pandemics and climate change“, synthesizes findings from numerous global investigations. It concludes that while direct evidence linking climate change to the specific spread of COVID-19 remains elusive, the broader mechanisms connecting environmental shifts to pandemic risk are increasingly clear and concerning.

A key finding, as stated in the paper, is that “As global temperatures rise, ecosystems are undergoing profound shifts, resulting in altered habitats and migration patterns that facilitate the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, thereby heightening the risk of zoonotic diseases.” The research explains that species migrating towards cooler habitats (like the poles) bring previously isolated animal populations into contact, increasing competition and the likelihood of pathogen spillover events where diseases can jump to new hosts, including humans.

The study identifies deforestation and industrial agriculture as major root causes of both climate change and increased pandemic risk. It strongly advocates for a fundamental shift in policy-making, arguing that “the separation of health and environmental policy is a dangerous delusion.” The researchers emphasize the need for a “holistic policy-making approach that recognizes the interdependence of human health, environmental health, and biodiversity.”

The co-authors include John Nicolas B. Mejia, a SESAM student under the PhD in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations program. He co-authored the study alongside SESAM faculty members Dr. Antonio P. Contreras, Asst. Prof. Eduardo F. Roquiño, Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, Dr. Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, and Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez.

The study aims to “conduct a systematic literature review to synthesize existing research on this intricate relationship, identifying key knowledge gaps and providing insights essential for developing effective public health strategies and environmental policies.” In addition, this study highlights the pressing need for comprehensive approaches to address the interlinked challenges of climate change and global health security. (RDAreglado-Dimasuay)