John Balbus, M.D., M.P.H. is a senior scientist and head of the Environmental Defense health program.
People tend to think that human life is independent from other species – that global warming’s effect on other life forms is sad, but not of direct concern. Think again! What happens to other species can have a profound effect on us. Global warming can change where on earth a particular life form can or cannot thrive. And when that life form carries or causes disease, look out!
Consider this case in point: