The discovery of two species of tropical disease-carrying mosquitoes in the UK is a stark reminder of the real and growing health risks brought about by climate change.
That’s the view of Dr Matt Lee, sustainability lead at the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK).
Dr Lee said: “This is yet another warning shot of the health harms that will come to the UK.
Disease-carrying mosquitoes
“It is now a matter of time before mosquito-borne infections, such as dengue fever, zika virus and chikungunya become endemic in a country that is unprepared for the worsening effects of climate change.
“This summer, climate change is estimated to have cost 16,000 lives across Europe.
“This number is set to increase annually and with an increasing proportion of deaths from the UK.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found eggs laid by the Egyptian mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. They were detected in traps near Heathrow Airport and on the M20 in Kent.
The findings were reported in a study by the UKHSA.
Warming climate
The link between a warming climate and the spread of infectious diseases is well documented.
Higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create conditions in which mosquitoes and other vectors can thrive in regions where they were previously absent. The health threats extend beyond tropical countries, with the UK now directly exposed, said Dr Lee.
Just as concerning, he said, is the political response to the climate crisis.
“Within 24 hours of this report, the Conservatives became the latest party to pledge to scrap the Climate Change Act,” he said.
“If the Conservatives and Reform UK do want to scrap net zero, they must be prepared to state how many lives will be lost by such a move, in addition to those already locked in by human-caused climate change.
Climate action
“Climate action is not a luxury, it is a matter of life and death.”
Dr Lee called for urgent, coordinated political leadership.
He said: “We urge all politicians to commit to a science-based approach to climate change, accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK and deliver a bold, urgent public health campaign on climate change.
“The website Our Health, Our Planet, among other resources, is up and running to try to fill this void, and the Climate and Nature Bill is ready to go.
“We urge collaboration by all for the sake of a liveable future.”
DAUK committee members are all volunteers and campaign on issues facing frontline doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.
