Compiled by Sahar Yaghoubi
Snakebites already inflict tremendous suffering across South Asia, where lack of awareness and access to treatment leaves thousands dead or disabled each year. Now, climate change threatens to dramatically worsen this humanitarian crisis.
Rising temperatures are altering snake habitats, forcing species into new areas where human encounters are more likely. Floods and extreme weather also compromise shelter, exposing vulnerable groups like children to greater risk.
Research confirms each added degree Celsius significantly heightens bite probabilities. Yet adapting to warming conditions stresses snakes, increasing unpredictable behavior that can endanger nearby communities.
Declining habitats also emerge as snakes lose territory to urban expansion, agricultural changes and infrastructure development. With few natural predators, uncontrolled rodent populations follow – jeopardizing food security and public health.
While antivenoms exist, production and distribution remain inadequate across the region. Improving treatments alone neglects socioeconomic root causes. Addressing poverty, education and gender inequities through integrated strategic planning remains key to empowering at-risk populations.
With climate impacts worsening, decisive cooperation is needed from governments, aid groups and researchers. Prioritizing prevention, early response training and snake-friendly coexistence models can curb rising bites if combined with efforts empowering communities most vulnerable to the evolving threats. As the crisis grows, so too does the call for global solidarity with South Asia’s marginalized.
