Which public health challenge is increasing due to the changing climate?

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases as a public health challenge due to climate change is rooted in several key factors. Climate change affects the distribution and behavior of various vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, which are responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, these vectors may expand their habitats, leading to a greater incidence of these diseases in regions that previously experienced lower risks.

Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes can disrupt health care systems and sanitation, creating conditions ideal for the spread of infectious diseases. For instance, standing water from flooding can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while overcrowded shelters post-disaster can increase the spread of disease due to close contact among displaced populations.

While chronic diseases, access to mental health services, and healthcare funding issues are indeed significant public health concerns, they are not as directly linked to the immediate impacts of climate change as infectious diseases are. Climate is a strong modifying factor in the evolution and transmission of infectious agents, making this choice particularly relevant in the context of public health challenges resulting from changing climatic conditions.