A new global study has unveiled that climate change is set to push venomous snakes from their current habitats into densely populated coastal regions, raising the likelihood of dangerous encounters for millions. As temperatures rise, these reptiles are expected to migrate towards higher latitudes and urban areas, with significant implications for public health and safety.
Escalating Risks for Urban Populations
The research, published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, highlights a worrying trend where snake populations, particularly those that pose medical risks, will increasingly overlap with human communities by the years 2050 and 2090. The findings indicate that Australia’s eastern coastline will experience a marked shift, as snakes abandon arid inland areas for the more populated southern regions.
With a comprehensive analysis of all 508 medically significant venomous snake species, the study reveals a concerning lack of knowledge about their distribution—a factor contributing to the classification of snakebites as a ‘neglected’ tropical disease. It emphasises the urgent need to understand where these snakes reside and how many bites occur, given the significant burden they impose on communities, especially in developing regions.
Regions Most Affected
The report notes that the most pronounced overlaps between human populations and venomous snakes are projected in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, areas already grappling with the severe consequences of snakebites. As global temperatures rise, the Indian subcontinent, eastern North America, and parts of China are expected to see an alarming increase in snake-human interactions.
Among the species likely to experience the greatest surge in exposure to humans by 2090 are the black-necked spitting cobra, the many-banded krait, the cottonmouth, and the copperhead. These projections, based on extensive data collection from scientific literature, citizen science initiatives, and expert observations, provide crucial insights for health policymakers.
Implications for Public Health and Conservation
Snakebites result in approximately 138,000 fatalities and 400,000 disabilities annually, predominantly impacting impoverished rural populations in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organisation aims to halve this burden by 2030, but the rising threat of climate change complicates these efforts. Human behaviours, such as farming without protective gear, increase the risk of snakebites, while extreme weather events like flooding can displace both snakes and humans alike.
The study’s predictions are invaluable for informing public health strategies, such as where to stockpile antivenoms and how to allocate resources to healthcare facilities most at risk. It underscores the importance of understanding the interaction zones between humans and snakes, particularly in remote areas where healthcare access is limited.
While many snake species will expand their ranges, some, particularly those in the Congo and Amazon basins, are expected to face significant declines. The puff adder, a species currently responsible for numerous bites across Africa, is projected to lose substantial territory, raising urgent conservation concerns.
A Call to Action in the Face of Climate Emergency
The findings emerge amid a broader climate crisis, with the United Nations warning that the global climate system is in a state of emergency. The World Meteorological Organisation has reported that the last eleven years have been the hottest on record, with 2025 seeing temperatures approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has indicated that all key climate indicators are “flashing red,” emphasising the dire consequences of our reliance on fossil fuels.
By modelling a worst-case emissions scenario, the study aims to provide a foundation for robust public health planning. The urgency to act is clear: as climate change alters the natural world, the safety of vulnerable populations hangs in the balance.
Why it Matters
This research serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between climate change and public health. As snakes move into urban areas, the risk of bites will escalate, particularly for communities that are already vulnerable. Understanding these shifts is crucial not only for immediate public health responses but also for long-term conservation strategies. The compounding effects of climate change necessitate urgent action to protect both human lives and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of addressing climate issues in a comprehensive manner.
