What effect does climate change have on vector-borne diseases?

Climate change significantly impacts the distribution and behavior of vector organisms, which in turn influences the spread of vector-borne diseases. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, find themselves in more favorable conditions for survival and reproduction. This can lead to an expansion of their habitat range into regions that were previously too cold or unsuitable for them.

For example, warmer temperatures can enhance the breeding cycles of mosquitoes, allowing them to reproduce more frequently and at a faster rate. Furthermore, shifts in precipitation patterns can create new breeding sites for these vectors, facilitating their spread into new geographic areas. As a result, diseases associated with these vectors, like malaria, Zika, and Lyme disease, can also spread to new populations, increasing public health risks.

In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately reflect the complexities of climate change's impact on vectors. Claiming that climate change has no effect ignores extensive scientific research showing how environmental changes influence vector populations. Arguing that climate change can reduce the habitat of vectors is misleading, as current data predominantly indicate that many vectors are adapting and expanding their ranges instead. Lastly, stating that climate change only affects terrestrial vectors overlooks the fact that aquatic or semi-aquatic vectors also respond to