Here’s a startling fact: tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease, is often overlooked in conversations about climate change—despite evidence suggesting the two are dangerously intertwined. But here’s where it gets controversial: while climate change is expected to worsen the conditions that fuel TB, this critical connection remains under-researched and under-discussed. Why? And what does this mean for global health? Let’s dive in.
The World Health Organization (WHO) took a bold step by commissioning an analytical framework to map the potential causal links between climate change and TB. This framework, detailed in a position paper published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, not only compares existing evidence but also highlights glaring gaps in research. For instance, it identifies key areas where data is critically lacking and suggests actionable entry points for interventions. Think of it as a roadmap for addressing a problem that’s far more complex than it seems.
And this is the part most people miss: Climate change doesn’t just impact TB directly—it amplifies factors like poverty, malnutrition, and displacement, which are already known drivers of the disease. For example, rising temperatures and extreme weather events could disrupt healthcare systems, making it harder for TB patients to access treatment. Or consider how air pollution, often worsened by climate change, might weaken lung health, creating a fertile ground for TB to thrive. These indirect effects are just as critical as the direct ones—yet they’re rarely part of the conversation.
The position paper is a must-read for anyone interested in this intersection. You can access it here. For ongoing updates on TB, check out the TB CAB Weekly Newsletter (Issue #33, 31 October 2025), brought to you by the Global TB Community Advisory Board (TB CAB) with support from the Treatment Action Group (TAG) and the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG). Subscribe here to stay informed.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Should climate change mitigation strategies explicitly include TB prevention and control measures? Or is this connection too complex to address in current policies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
