Incorporating climate-induced hydro-meteorological extremes in global health security: A waterborne disease perspective

Climate-induced hydro-meteorological extreme events such as the occurrence of heavy precipitations or lack thereof, intense continuous rainfall, flooding, and drought are increasing worldwide and will likely be escalating in the future. Understanding of climate-induced hydro-meteorological extremes is essential to characterize the fate, transport, and survival of pathogens in the environment and strengthen global health security. This study discusses the role of climate-induced hydrological and meteorological extreme events and tipping points on the environmental transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in terrestrial and aquatic systems, waterborne disease outbreaks, and biological threats to human health. Research on the effects of climate-induced hydro-meteorological extremes on the incidence of infectious diseases will allow the development of climate-driven early warning systems and risk forecasting to reduce infectious diseases threats to human populations.