Fungal infections that claim millions of lives annually will spread significantly to new regions due to global warming, a new study predicts. The study, published this month, used computer simulations and forecasts to map the potential future spread of Aspergillus, a common group of fungi found worldwide.
Aspergillus can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease primarily affecting the lungs. The fungus grows in environments such as soil, compost, and water, and plays an important role in ecosystems. However, it can have devastating impacts on human health, with 2.5 million estimated deaths annually.
Researchers from Manchester University found that certain Aspergillus species will expand their range as the climate crisis intensifies, pushing into new parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. The study highlights that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future due to lack of research.
Aspergillus flavus, a species that thrives in hotter climates, could increase its spread by 16% if humans continue burning fossil fuels. This species can cause severe infections in humans and is resistant to many antifungal medications. The World Health Organization added Aspergillus flavus to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its public health impact and antifungal resistance risk.
The study’s findings also suggest that temperatures rising globally could expose 9 million people in Europe to increased risks from Aspergillus fumigatus, a species that prefers temperate climates. The fungus is predicted to spread northwards toward the North Pole as global temperatures rise.
While some regions may become too hot for fungi to survive, this could also bring unintended problems for ecosystems and food security. Researchers emphasize the need for more research into fungal diseases due to their growing impact on human health and the environment.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/24/climate/deadly-fungi-aspergillus-spread