From Pollution to Parasites

Abstract

This chapter brings together a range of themes covered within the book thus far. It reflects on the diversity of problems different parts of the world are facing as the impact of climate change gathers pace. These problems encompass more cardiac complications arising from the air pollution generated from climate-triggered fires to the proliferation of vector-borne infectious diseases. In doing so, it discusses the complexity of pathways provoked by climatic change that might increase and even extend the burden of heart disease globally. Concurrently, the prospect of some unexpected benefits (in terms of disease reduction due to climate change) are identified. From that global perspective, some important changes in the ‘infectious threats’ posed to people living in the major continents are presented, noting, once again, how the poorest people in the world will likely bear the brunt of any changes in the pattern of disease provoked by climate change.