UKRI Event: Climate Change Bites

Current era of climate change continues to contribute to vector-borne diseases becoming a major health concern across the world. Climate change influences the habitats, geographical distribution, longevity and life cycles of vectors in ways that make them more likely to transmit diseases to animal, human or plant hosts.

The virtual event organised by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will bring together leading experts working on animal, human and plant vector biology and vector-borne diseases to jointly discuss a One Health approach to understand, predict, prevent and respond to these threats by:

– Understanding how human, biological and environmental drivers, including climate, affect vectors and how vectors may respond in both short and evolutionary timescales;

– Modelling and measuring how climate change interacts with other factors causing new diseases to emerge, such as deforestation, agricultural intensification, and increased trade and travel. How can we use these to guide interventions?

– Using statistical prediction models to help understand how climate change is affecting vector borne diseases. By exploring the relationship between climatic, socio-economic and demographic factors along with variations in disease risk in space and time, scientists can help society can understand the risk of transmission and target limited public health resources.

The webinar will involve a range of perspectives linked to the impact of climate change on vector borne diseases and what we can do about them. Experts will set the scene through short presentations followed by a Q&A panel discussion giving the audience the opportunity to participate in the conversation. This event is open to all, and is suitable for a non-expert audience aged 15+.

For more information, please consult: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-change-bites-tickets-180020224337?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Date and time: 21/10/2021 (12:00 – 14:00 CEST)