Rising Global Temperatures Expand Threat of Infectious and Vector-Borne Diseases

The global increase in temperatures is now not only triggering extreme weather but is also significantly altering the map of infectious disease spread worldwide. This phenomenon poses a real threat to global public health as the expansion of tropical zones allows pathogens to move into previously safe areas. Indonesia, as a tropical country, is in a highly vulnerable position regarding vector-borne diseases, such as malaria transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes and dengue haemorrhagic fever by Aedes mosquitoes. Climatic factors including rainfall, temperature, and humidity are the main drivers of the spread of these diseases, with the 0-18 age group being the most affected. The Environmental Health and Climate Change Task Force of the Indonesian Paediatric Society, Riyadi, revealed that global warming has erased natural boundaries for disease spread. In a seminar held on Tuesday, he explained that the rise in the earth’s temperature has expanded the coverage of tropical regions beyond the traditional equator lines. Previously, the boundaries were 23.5 degrees above and below the equator, but now the tropical region is expanding because the earth’s temperature is increasing, creating new habitats favourable for germ-carrying insects to breed in areas they previously could not inhabit. Beyond vector-borne diseases, climate change exacerbates the risk of water-borne diseases, particularly diarrhoea. Floods and extreme droughts triggered by the climate crisis increase the risk of infection in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Children under five years of age are recorded as the group with the highest risk due to poor sanitary conditions. Riyadi emphasised that climate mitigation is the main key to curbing the rate of disease spread. Although the target of keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius per year is difficult to maintain, collective efforts must still be made to restore the earth’s temperature balance. High human mobility through modern transportation also accelerates the transfer of germs between countries within hours. Facing this challenge, the Indonesian Paediatric Society urges cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve environmental sustainability and strengthen prevention efforts through vaccination to protect future generations from the adverse impacts of climate change.