Pests and diseases and climate change: Is there a connection?
- From
-
Published on
27.02.20
- Impact Area

Temperature and rainfall are the big drivers of shifts in how and where pests and diseases spread, according to experts.
Climate change is one factor driving the spread of pests and diseases, along with increasing global trade. Climate change can affect the population size, survival rate and geographical distribution of pests; and the intensity, development and geographical distribution of diseases.
“In general, an increase in temperature and precipitation levels favors the growth and distribution of most pest species by providing a warm and humid environment and providing necessary moisture for their growth,” says Tek Sapkota, agricultural systems and climate change scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
Related news
-
Empowering dryland communities through drought early warnings to enhance resilience
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)14.05.25-
Adaptation
Amidst the challenges of drought, climate change, conflicts, and other shocks that significantly imp…
Read more -
-
Collaborative action research at the heart of climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)08.05.25-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
Science, innovation and local knowledge unite to transform agriculture in Latin America and the Cari…
Read more -
-
UPLB, KOICA, and IRRI Celebrate Completion of Main Structure of Advanced Genomics Research Center (AGRC)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)07.05.25-
Food security
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (22 April 2025) – The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),…
Read more -