A killer fungus could spread through parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas, causing serious lung problems for vulnerable people due to rising temperatures, a new study has warned.

Recent research has raised alarming concerns regarding the potential spread of Aspergillus, a type of fungus known to cause severe lung infections, as a consequence of rising global temperatures attributable to climate change. Norman van Rhijn, a research fellow at Manchester University and co-author of the study, asserts that we are nearing a critical point where the prevalence of such fungal pathogens could become pervasive, leading to significant health risks worldwide. Aspergillus species can thrive in warm, damp environments and are expected to expand their territory by a staggering 77 percent by the year 2100. This expansion could expose as many as nine million people in Europe to infections, as the fungi migrate northwards from their current habitats in Africa and South America. Particularly concerning is the potential for these fungi, already responsible for around 2.5 million deaths annually, to infect vulnerable populations with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or compromised immune systems. The study highlights a dual threat: not only are the fungi a health hazard for humans, but they also jeopardize food security and biodiversity, as certain regions may become inhospitable for susceptible species. The urgency of addressing climate change is compounded by the rising incidence of diseases linked to changing ecosystems. Experts like Elaine Bignell emphasize the adaptability of these organisms, suggesting that their natural resilience enables them to thrive in environments that would typically be hostile to other species. Even the well-known fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus could become increasingly common in new geographical territories as infectious diseases evolve in response to habitat changes driven by climate. The study, while not yet peer-reviewed, is endorsed by the Wellcome Trust and underscores the necessity for better antifungal treatments, which remain limited in development due to financial constraints and drug resistance. As fungi account for a vast majority of unexplored species, researchers warn of a potential 'pandemic' of fungal infections if proactive measures are not undertaken immediately. Acknowledging the rising threat posed by fungi is critical as our world continues to warm, reshaping both human health and environmental dynamics.