Webinar recap "Rising Threats : The Intersection of Climate Change and Infectious Diseases "
- Camille Fortin-Fabbro
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
April 28, 2025
On April 28, 2025, the Infectious Disease Alliance (IDA), in collaboration with PATH, hosted the webinar “Climate Change and Infectious Disease: Understanding Risks and Strategies for Action”, examining how climate change is transforming infectious disease dynamics and posing urgent global health threats. The event convened experts from across disciplines to outline integrated strategies rooted in the One Health approach and informed by data, equity, and collaboration.
Key topics
Emerging threats from vector-borne diseases in new geographic regions
One Health approach to climate and disease
Surveillance and early warning systems
Systemic health inequities and cross-sector adaptation
Speakers
Dr. Jan Semenza, Expert Researcher & Project Lead, Umeå University & Heidelberg University
Dr. Jose Juarez, Researcher & Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Lindsey Shields, Director of Global Health Security, PATH
Dr. Kristie Ebi, Professor of Global Health, University of Washington
Highlights & takeaways
Tick and Mosquito-Borne Disease Patterns by Dr. Semenza illustrated how climate variables—such as rising temperatures and shifts in biodiversity—correlate with the spread of vector-borne diseases, including tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden and West Nile virus across Europe. He emphasized the need for predictive models that utilize environmental data, including sea temperature and salinity, to inform early warning systems.
Aedes aegypti Expansion by Dr. Juarez detailed how climate change is expanding the range and risk of Aedes aegypti, the vector for dengue and other arboviruses. He warned of increasing serotype diversity and reinfections, particularly in urbanizing areas, and called for improved surveillance and renewed global coordination to combat this accelerating threat.
Operationalizing One Health by Dr. Shields advocated for integrating One Health into national systems to tackle climate-related health risks. She highlighted Cambodia as a case study where interministerial coordination facilitates integrated responses. With 60% of emerging diseases being zoonotic, the approach must connect environmental, animal, and human health.
Climate Adaptation Strategies by Dr. Ebi examined how climate-driven disruptions—such as extreme weather, displacement, and biodiversity loss—intensify disease burdens, particularly for dengue and leishmaniasis. She advocated for equity-centred adaptation, which includes stronger health systems, WASH infrastructure, mental health care, and multi-sector policy integration.
Q&A session
Moderated by the IDA Climate Change and Health Committee, the session showcased a variety of queries:
Dr. Semenza explained how AI and ML tools compare with traditional modelling for infectious diseases and discussed the rising risks of West Nile Hemorrhagic Fever in Eastern Europe.
Dr. Juarez responded to a question about differentiating urban vs. rural mosquito data, stressing contextual analysis across countries.
The panel emphasized digital health innovation, funding for research, and civil society engagement as keys to future COP Health Day outcomes.
Key statistics
Registered attendees: 104
Live participants: 59
Geographic reach: Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America
Looking ahead
IDA will continue its commitment through:
Post-event reporting and resource sharing
Creating a multi-stakeholder network for sustained dialogue
Organizing a Pre Cop 30 Event in Brussels in November 2025
Call to action
IDA urges the global community to:
Fund research and policy solutions targeting climate-sensitive diseases
Integrate climate change into global health frameworks and funding
Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and diagnostics
Scale community-led climate adaptation and surveillance efforts
Elevate political and public commitment at national and multilateral levels
Sign the Call to Action on Climate Change
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