Cutting pollution could slow the spread of superbugs

Mar 12, 2023

Climate change, biodiversity and antimicrobial resistance are also closely linked, with drugs further damaging ecosystems. Image: Unsplash/Roberto Sorin

Vanessa Racloz

Lead, Climate and Health, World Economic Forum

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Figure showing the predicted mortality from antimicrobial resistance compared with common causes of current deaths.

By 2050, deaths due to antimicrobial resistance could be comparable to current deaths from cancer. Image: UNEP

Figure illustrating the environmental complexities in transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

The environment has an important role in the development, transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Image: UNEP

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A timeline showing the commercial deployment of antibiotics and emergence of antibiotic resistance.

It is only a matter of years before antimicrobial resistance develops. Image: UNEP

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