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A growing body of scientific evidence is highlighting the alarming connection between climate change and the resurgence of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in developing nations. Experts warn that the indirect impacts of global warming, such as increased food insecurity and displacement, are creating fertile ground for the spread of this deadly disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently convened a consultation in October 2024 to establish a research framework on climate change and TB, recognizing the growing urgency of the issue. “Climate change and health has emerged as ‘one of the hottest topics in global health,'” stated Matteo Zignol, unit head at WHO’s global tuberculosis programme.
While the direct link between climate change and TB may not be immediately apparent, scientists are focusing on the indirect pathways. A key factor is the impact of climate change on food security. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are disrupting agricultural production, leading to increased undernutrition, a major risk factor for TB.
A 2024 Cochrane Review demonstrated that undernutrition doubles the risk of TB in the short term and may also increase the risk in the long term. “There have been projections showing that a two-degrees Celsius increase in the world temperature could translate into 189 million people who go to bed hungry. In a four-degrees Celsius warmer world, this could reach a staggering 1.8 billion people,” Zignol explained.
Furthermore, air pollution, exacerbated by climate change, is also contributing to the problem. High levels of PM2.5, fine particulate matter, are known to increase the risk of TB. “Actions to reduce air pollution will also help mitigate climate change as sources are the same,” said Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and former chief scientist at the WHO.
Modelling studies, such as those conducted by Rebecca Clark of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LHSTM), are providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between climate change, undernutrition, and TB. These studies show that climate change’s impact on undernutrition “will likely have a significant impact on the TB burden.”
The most vulnerable populations, often residing in the Global South, are disproportionately affected. Uzma Khan, medical director at IRD Global, emphasized that “people at risk due to climate change and TB are among the most vulnerable sections of society.” She also highlighted the need to address the social inequities that underlie both climate change and TB.
Recent research has further solidified the link between climate and TB. A 2022 study from the University of Adelaide concluded that climate change “is likely to affect the susceptibility of individuals to TB by increasing the prevalence of its underlying risk factors.”
Experts are calling for increased research and collaborative action to address this growing threat. “This is an evolving field of research that requires further attention in the scientific community,” researchers from the University of Adelaide noted.
The need for national health policies to acknowledge the role of climate change in TB prevalence, and focus on mitigating its effect on food security is becoming more urgent, especially in nations with high TB burdens, such as India.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of the provided context. The relationship between climate change and tuberculosis is a complex and evolving area of research. Further studies may reveal additional insights and refine current understandings. The information provided should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. Please consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns.
