Introduction

Scientists predict global warming will increase the spread of infectious diseases at the same time it amplifies the intensity of storms, floods, droughts, fires, and other problems. I haven’t followed the disease issue closely, but I think the current global failure with COVID-19 gives us a preview of what this will be like. From increased public health expenses to extensive travel restrictions, civilization will face increasing challenges and will eventually crumble first in poorer nations, regions, and neighborhoods, and finally in wealthy areas.
This story from Nature describes COVID-19’s growing death toll and its deadly contribution to other diseases.


Health workers administer polio vaccines to children in Islamabad in January as an armed police officer stands nearby for protection. Vaccinators have previously been attacked in Pakistan, where rumours persist about immunizations being harmful. (Sohail Shahzad/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)