U019
Understanding the Linkage Between Geosciences and Biothreats for Enhancing National and Global Security
Understanding the Linkage Between Geosciences and Biothreats for Enhancing National and Global Security
Session ID#: 247432
Session Description:
Since the HIV/AIDS crisis, many governments have incorporated infectious diseases into their national security strategies. Recent global outbreaks of diseases such as SARS, MERS, Zika, malaria, Ebola, and notably COVID-19, underscore the necessity for anticipatory measures to mitigate the impacts of infectious diseases. Nearly all recent disease outbreaks involve climate-sensitive pathogens, with climate variability influencing the emergence and distribution of these microbes. Climate factors, including variable temperatures and precipitation, affect the distribution of vectors and pathogens, create optimal conditions for human-pathogen interactions through extreme weather events, alter animal habitats increasing human contact with zoonotic pathogens, and influence the development of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, the emergence of diseases and pandemics poses significant threats to economic and geopolitical security through supply chain disruptions, food and water insecurity, political power shifts, and potential armed conflict. This session will explore advancing current technologies to develop anticipatory actions for climate-related risks to human security.
Index Terms:
0230 Impacts of climate change: human health [GEOHEALTH]
1630 Impacts of global change [GLOBAL CHANGE]
6620 Science policy [POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES]
Primary Convener: Bailey Magers, Organization Not Listed, Washington, United States
Conveners: Rita Colwell, University of Maryland, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, College Park, United States and Jesse E Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, Omaha, United States
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