Micro-organisms play crucial roles in both causing and mitigating climate change through their use and production of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Climate change is increasing risks from microbial diseases by expanding the ranges of disease vectors. However, managing microbial processes through approaches like improved agricultural practices and biofuel production could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help human societies adapt to climate impacts.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Twenty (20) sample regimes were collected for each sample matrix. The samples were pretreated and digested for the determination of selected heavy metals of interest (As, Cd. Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb. The results reveals that mean concentrations of elements in the water samples decreases in the sequence as follows Hg > Ni > Cr> Pb > As > Cd. This clearly confirmed that Hg has the highest concentration followed by Ni, with Cd being the least. The mean concentrations of elements in the cat fish organs flesh, Gills, Kidney and liver of Barkin-Ladi pond water samples are given in table 4 above. The results confirmed the differences of accumulation of element in different catfish organs. The element concentrations in the cat fish samples decreased in the sequence for the flesh as Ni > Cr >Pb > Hg > As > Cd, for the gills Ni > Hg > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, for kidney Ni > Pb > Hg > Cr > As > Cd, for liver Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg > As. A two-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the mean concentrations of elements in the organs of the same fish species, while there is significant difference in the mean concentration between the organs of the different fish species investigated. The correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the concentrations of element in water sample of the study area. The result above reveals that there is a significant correlation between Cd and Pb, and also there is a significant relationship between Cr and Ni elements. While no significant correlation was observed between the other pairs. These implied that the pairs either have the same source or chemical species. Generally, the ponds were shown to be polluted with heavy metals thus the risk of bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the aquatic lives, thus endangering human health directly when consumed or through the food chain.
This presentation discuss about the human impact on ecosystem, planetary responses to changes and imbalance in the various ecological systems. The main cause of ecological change is the rapid increase in human population which ultimately utilize the non-renewable resources to fulfil their luxurious living standards and to discover various technologies to generate energy.
Environmental chemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in water, air, terrestrial and living environments, and the effects of human activity on them.
An important angle: Loladze 2002, Rising CO2 and Human NutritionYuksel Eyyuboglu
Recently came across this phenomenal research from Year 2002 that has discovered another effect: nutrients plants accumulate (or not). This should add to the worries of rising carbon dioxide levels.
Resources and its classification, Natural Resources and associated problems, forest resources, water resources, mineral resources, energy resources, soil resources, ecosystem.
Twenty (20) sample regimes were collected for each sample matrix. The samples were pretreated and digested for the determination of selected heavy metals of interest (As, Cd. Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb. The results reveals that mean concentrations of elements in the water samples decreases in the sequence as follows Hg > Ni > Cr> Pb > As > Cd. This clearly confirmed that Hg has the highest concentration followed by Ni, with Cd being the least. The mean concentrations of elements in the cat fish organs flesh, Gills, Kidney and liver of Barkin-Ladi pond water samples are given in table 4 above. The results confirmed the differences of accumulation of element in different catfish organs. The element concentrations in the cat fish samples decreased in the sequence for the flesh as Ni > Cr >Pb > Hg > As > Cd, for the gills Ni > Hg > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, for kidney Ni > Pb > Hg > Cr > As > Cd, for liver Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg > As. A two-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the mean concentrations of elements in the organs of the same fish species, while there is significant difference in the mean concentration between the organs of the different fish species investigated. The correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the concentrations of element in water sample of the study area. The result above reveals that there is a significant correlation between Cd and Pb, and also there is a significant relationship between Cr and Ni elements. While no significant correlation was observed between the other pairs. These implied that the pairs either have the same source or chemical species. Generally, the ponds were shown to be polluted with heavy metals thus the risk of bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the aquatic lives, thus endangering human health directly when consumed or through the food chain.
This presentation discuss about the human impact on ecosystem, planetary responses to changes and imbalance in the various ecological systems. The main cause of ecological change is the rapid increase in human population which ultimately utilize the non-renewable resources to fulfil their luxurious living standards and to discover various technologies to generate energy.
Environmental chemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in water, air, terrestrial and living environments, and the effects of human activity on them.
An important angle: Loladze 2002, Rising CO2 and Human NutritionYuksel Eyyuboglu
Recently came across this phenomenal research from Year 2002 that has discovered another effect: nutrients plants accumulate (or not). This should add to the worries of rising carbon dioxide levels.
Resources and its classification, Natural Resources and associated problems, forest resources, water resources, mineral resources, energy resources, soil resources, ecosystem.
Starting from the intro to the schemes via objectives and literacy rate, all the steps taken by the Govt. of India to increase the standard of education and hence the lifestyle.
As every digital advancement creates a new vector for risk, trust becomes the cornerstone of the digital economy. To gain the trust of individuals, ecosystems, and regulators in the digital economy, businesses must possess strong security and ethics at each stage of the customer journey.
Green House Gases
Greenhouse gases, including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. They allow the Sun's energy to reach Earth's surface but limit heat loss. Rising atmospheric concentrations of these gases could lead to higher temperatures and significant climate change. The next 50 years may see altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and desert shifts. Human activity is dependent on climate, impacting food production, water supplies, construction, energy usage, transportation, and flood protection.
Causes
Greenhouse gases, which allow solar radiation to warm Earth during the day, contribute to its average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration from 280 ppm (PPM means parts-per million and Percent means per hundred) in 1800 to 359 ppm in 1994 is attributed to increased use of fossil fuels, decreasing forest cover, and methane release from agricultural practices. If these levels continue to rise, global temperatures may reach 1 to 4 degrees Celsius higher by the mid21st century.Future Impact
Greenhouse warming is expected to cause severe stress on natural ecosystems, desert expansion, melting polar ice caps, ocean thermal expansion, more extreme weather events, and displacement of traditional agricultural areas. Rising sea levels are the most significant hazard, with glaciers melting and sea water expanding. This change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme events, affecting human health and living standards. The most vulnerable will experience the most severe impacts, necessitating concrete action to control pollution sources and mitigate potential impacts.
Environmental Awareness
Human activities, including urbanization, industrialization, and social structures, are posing ecological problems due to excessive use and misuse of natural resources. This imbalance affects energy budgets and climate change. To maintain ecological balance, mass awareness, afforestation, deforestation prevention, judicious resource use, pollution control, and environmentally respectful development is crucial, achieved through mass media, green marches, and environmental weeks.Salient Features of Environmental Awareness
Environmental education is crucial for controlling pollution, conserving resources, and maintaining ecological balance. NGOs play a vital role in educating people, particularly secondary school children. It covers various aspects of the environment, including atmosphere, earth, water, plants, animals, natural resource management, air, soil, and geological formations. It aims to create awareness, develop habits, promote values, and guide problem-solving and decision-making. It leads to positive attitudes and commitment of environment protection. It can be achieved by:
1. Gaining an understanding of the composition and operation of the inanimate natural system, as well as how it interacts with living things.
2. Realizing that all living things
Climate change is one of the primary factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The purpose of this review paper was to give serious thought about the present and future impacts of climate change on biodiversity, even though we are not aware of its synergistic effects on biological populations. In order to fully understand the biota's reactions to these climatic
changes, we also concentrated on how these changes impact their phenology and physiology. This review article's subjects are
covered in a non-random order to make it easier for readers to understand the connections between biodiversity and climate
change. We also discussed about how 1.1°C of global warming brought about by human activity has altered the Earth's climate
in ways never seen before and negatively impacted human health. We covered how to safeguard our biota by implementing practical conservation strategies at the end of this review article in order to reduce the effects of climate change on it. We hope that one day, because research on climate change and biodiversity protection is interdisciplinary and spans many different scientific areas, we will be able to address all these concerns and preserve our biota from their terrible consequences.
carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane production have a tremendous impact on climate change, microbes play a key role in the production and control of these gases
Global Warming: Effect on Living Organisms, Causes and its SolutionsDr. Amarjeet Singh
In the present scenario many scientists, researchers
and environmentalists are expressing their deep concerns
about the overall changes. For continuous production of
Electricity Fossil and Fuels are being used. The burning of
these fuels produces gases like carbon dioxide, methane and
nitrous oxides which lead to global warming. The main cause
of global warming can be unsustainable human activities that
increase the accumulation of greenhouse gases. The hazard of
global warming is continuously causing major damage to the
Earth's environment. Most human beings are still unaware of
global warming and do not consider it to be a big problem in
the future. Living Organisms have to make efforts to
maintain health by recognizing and resolving abnormal
situations such as the presence of invading microorganisms.
Here we outline the effect on living organisms, causes and
how we can overcome it.
In #biodiversity, each species, no matter how big or small has an important role to play in ecosystem. Various plant and animal #species depend on each other for what each offers and these diverse species ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.
This presentation encompasses the foundation of the #ecosystem to which human well-being is intimately linked. It explicates variability among living #organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine & other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part. And how it all affect to globalisation.
the presentation is most importantly for the ones who are concerned for the environment and human impacts which are harming it. the presentation is making people aware about what they should do to the earth and what not
How Does The Greenhouse Effect The Environment?
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Egyptian national, 45 years old, environmental researcher at the Egyptian Ministry of Environment since 2005
He participated in many international and local conferences such as the International Conference on Ecotourism, the Medical Waste Conference at Mansoura University, the World Conference on Sustainable Development in India, the Conference on Sustainable Management of Plastic Waste in India, the Gender Equality Conference sponsored by the Rural Development Authority, Dedan University in India, and the New Republic Youth Forum and Climate 2022
He also held many seminars in cooperation with Mansoura University, Al-Azhar, schools and companies such as GASCO, the Arab Contractors, the UNESCO Club, the International Organization for the Protection of Wildlife (CITES), the United Nations Office in Cairo, the Arab Federation for Sustainable Development and the Environment, the Agricultural Professions Syndicate and civil society organizations.
He obtained many accredited certificates from international and local bodies, such as a certified trainer from the International Federation of Sustainable Development Experts in England, and one of the five best ambassadors for sustainable development from King Hussein University in Malaysia, and the environment and climate ambassador from GECCI in Nigeria for two years 2022 to 2024 and the best teacher An environmentalist from the ETC Center in Sweden, and one of the most influential figures in 2020 from the Al-Ahram International Center, a sustainability specialist and writer of the scientific material for the play The Tale of a Planet
He also received the medal of an initiative researcher from the platform of scientists, researchers and experts, and a member of the International Federation for Sustainable Development, and a member of the platform of scientists, researchers and experts and the Sustainable Development Network in Malaysia
Nutrient pollution, defined as excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in aquatic systems, is one of the leading causes of water quality impairment in the United States. This report compiles current information regarding the costs of nutrient pollution. Such costs may be of two broad types. Some costs are associated with reducing nutrient pollution at its sources. Other costs are associated with the impacts of nutrient pollution in the environment. The latter category of costs is referred to as “external costs” or “externalities,” because they are “external” to the owners of the farms, businesses, or facilities that generate them.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
1. Micro-organisms play crucial roles in climate
change as users and producers of greenhouse
gases.
Climate change is increasing risks to public
health and agriculture from microbial diseases.
Managing and harnessing microbial processes
could help us mitigate and adapt to climate
change.
Microbiology and
Climate Change
MICROBIAL CLIMATE FEEDBACKS
Scientists are investigating how micro-organisms that use and
produce GHGs will respond to climate change. Climate change
may cause feedbacks whereby microbial processes use or
produce more GHGs, thereby further affecting climate change.
Scientists have collected soils from different environments
and latitudes and found that, when subjected to the range of
temperature increases predicted by climate models, microbial
respiration and CO2
release can increase significantly.
Specifically, there is concern about global warming thawing
leading to enhanced microbial activity in carbon-rich permafrost,
which is estimated to currently store 1,700 billion tonnes of
organic carbon. This could potentially lead to the release of
massive quantities of CO2
and CH4
. It is unclear if the activity of
other micro-organisms, which for example oxidise CH4
, would
also increase sufficiently to help mitigate these emissions.
BRIEFING
MICROBES AS CLIMATE ENGINEERS
Microbial processes in oceans, soils and other environments
are important drivers of global cycles of carbon, nitrogen
and other nutrients, which are vital for life on earth. These
processes both use and produce key greenhouse gases
(GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2
), nitrous oxide (N2
O)
and methane (CH4
). However, human activities, including
those which stimulate microbial emissions, are accelerating
climate change by altering the balance of these natural
cycles through enhanced GHG emissions.
CARBON CYCLING
Ocean and soil ecosystems, significantly through microbial
processes, together act as a sink for approximately 50% of
anthropogenic carbon emissions.
Microbial activity in the oceans: Photosynthetic marine
algae and cyanobacteria are responsible for almost
half of global photosynthesis, drawing tens of billions of
tonnes of CO2
from the atmosphere each year. Conversely,
respiration and decomposition of organic matter by other
marine microbes ultimately releases much of this carbon
again, the remainder being stored in the deep sea.
Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2
are being dissolved
in the oceans causing them to become more acidic. There
is concern that higher ocean acidity combined with higher
temperatures could impact marine microbial populations
important for carbon cycling and marine food chains.
Microbial activity in the soil: Plant photosynthesis
dominates terrestrial CO2
uptake. However, some soil
micro-organisms assimilate CO2
themselves, while others
indirectly contribute to uptake by aiding plant growth and
helping store carbon in soils. The majority of this carbon
is released again by respiration and decomposition of
organic matter, with micro-organisms estimated to be
responsible for about half of these natural CO2
emissions.
Soils store an estimated 1,500−2,400 billion tonnes of
organic carbon. Consequently, soil degradation and erosion
due to activities such as agriculture is a major concern
because this can enhance microbial decomposition of
organic matter, thereby increasing CO2
emissions.
NITROGEN CYCLING
Nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria play an important role in
converting nitrogen gas into biologically available nitrogen
that can be used by plants. Soil nitrifying micro-organisms
convert ammonia to nitrate, releasing N2
O as a by-product
2. MICROBIOLOGY SOCIETY BRIEFINGS
The Microbiology Society highlights important issues relating
to microbiology to policymakers and the general public. It does
this through a range of activities, including events and issuing
topical briefing papers. Through its diverse membership, the
Society can offer impartial, expert information on all areas of
microbiology. Find out more at www.microbiologysociety.org.
Contact: Policy Officer, Microbiology Society, Charles Darwin
House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU, UK. Tel. +44 (0)20
7685 2400; email policy@microbiologysociety.org.
Thanks are due to the following individuals for providing
information and advice: Sarah Gurr (University of Exeter),
Iain Hartley (University of Exeter), Paul Parham (University of
Liverpool), Ian Joint (Marine Biological Association), James
Prosser (University of Aberdeen) and David Reay (University of
Edinburgh).
Image credit: Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library.
The Microbiology Society remains solely responsible
for the content of this briefing.
Issue date: November 2015.
into the atmosphere. The nitrate is then broken down by
denitrifying bacteria releasing both nitrogen gas and more
N2
O.
The global warming potential of N2
O over 100 years is
about 300 times that of CO2
. A major driver of increases in
N2
O emissions globally is human activities including the
widespread, often inefficient use of ammonia- and nitrate-
based fertilisers in agriculture, which is enhancing the
activity of nitrifying and denitrifying micro-organisms.
METHANE CYCLING
Micro-organisms called methanogens, which live in
wetlands, oceans, and the guts of ruminants and termites,
account for about 75% of natural CH4
emissions. CH4
has
a global warming potential about 34 times that of CO2
.
Human activities account for an estimated 50−60% of all
CH4
emissions, the predominant source being activities
that enhance methanogen emissions, including landfill,
livestock farming and rice cultivation.
DISEASE RISKS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is likely to significantly affect the
reproduction, transmission and geographic distribution
of pathogens of humans, other animals and plants.
Researchers are currently investigating these threats, and
the potential to mitigate them.
Water-borne diseases: Increased risk of flooding and
challenges to sanitation facilities by heavy rainfall
events are predicted to increase the incidence and
transmission of water-borne diseases such as cholera
and cryptosporidium. Climate change will also likely
affect access to safe water in some regions, which would
compromise hygiene and sanitation.
Vector-borne diseases: Certain disease vectors, including
some mosquito species, thrive in floodwaters. Higher
temperatures can increase the rate of reproduction of
these vectors, the frequency of bites and the length of
their breeding season. These combined factors may
increase the incidence and geographic distribution of
vector-borne diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus.
It has been estimated that a temperature rise of 2−3 °C
could increase the global population vulnerable to malaria
by several hundred million.
There is evidence that the northern European climate is
becoming more favourable for some human and livestock
disease vectors. For example, modelling has linked
climate change to the spread of bluetongue disease, a
midge-borne disease of livestock, into northern Europe.
Plant diseases: Changes in climate may also promote the
growth and dispersal of many crop pathogens, threatening
food security. Some key plant fungal pathogens are
estimated to be spreading towards the poles at an average
rate of about 8 km per year, which poses new disease
control and surveillance challenges for agriculture,
particularly in the northern hemisphere.
MICROBIAL MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
Managing and harnessing microbial processes could help
us to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Agriculture and food: Developing cultivation methods and
biotechnologies to better harness soil micro-organisms
that benefit crop growth (e.g. biofertilisers) could reduce
reliance on fossil fuels, help reduce GHG emissions from
agricultural soils, and improve crop resilience to climate-
related stresses such as drought.
Methane emissions from ruminant livestock, which
account for about 25% of anthropogenic emissions, could
be reduced through the use of feed additives or vaccines,
and reducing meat consumption.
Globally, it is estimated that more than 30% of all food
produced is lost to spoilage and wastage along the food
supply chain. Reducing food spoilage by microbes could
substantially reduce nitrous oxide emissions associated
with agricultural production.
Biofuels and energy: Biofuels can be efficiently produced
through microbial anaerobic digestion of waste products
from agriculture and other human activities.
Photosynthetic micro-organisms, such as cyanobacteria
and algae, could be engineered to produce clean fuels
such as biological hydrogen.
SELECTED REFERENCES
• Bebber, D. P. Gurr, S. J. (2015). Crop-destroying fungal and oomycete
pathogens challenge food security. Fungal Genet Bio 74, 62−64.
• IPCC (2013). Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, USA.
• Medlock, J. M. Leach, S. A. (2015). Effect of climate change on vector-borne
disease risk in the UK. Lancet Infect Dis 15, 721-30.
• Microbiology Society (2015). Briefing: Energy from Food Waste.
• Singh, B. K., Bardgett, R. D., Smith, P. Reay, D. S. (2010). Microorganisms and
climate change: terrestrial feedbacks and mitigation options. Nat Rev Microbiol
8, 779−790.