Climate change and environmental pressures

The climate crisis is reshaping where and how diseases emerge and spread. At LSTM, we combine environmental science, vector biology, digital innovation and health-systems research to understand and mitigate these impacts, turning climate data into actionable health intelligence so that communities and health systems can adapt, respond and thrive in a changing environment.

A wildfire burns across a rocky hillside, with flames among trees and thick smoke billowing into an orange sky.

Why climate and environmental pressures matter

Climate and environmental changes influence how diseases emerge, where they spread and which communities are most affected. Understanding these links is essential to protecting health and reducing risk.

How we are responding

We work with partners to:

Use environmental and climate data to better understand changing disease risks

  • Apply digital innovation and health-systems research to support adaptation and response
  • Translate evidence into practical tools and approaches for communities and health services
  • The Harare Declaration on Climate and Health in Africa, which sets a continental framework for coordinated climate–health action, is a demonstration of how LSTM’s model turns evidence into collective action and impact.

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Tackling resistance

Antimicrobial and insecticide resistance threaten progress across global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We tackle resistance from molecules to markets, bridging the gap between discovery and implementation.

Tackling resistance

Managing and preparing for disease outbreaks

In an increasingly connected world, disease outbreaks can move quickly, cross borders invisibly and hit vulnerable communities hardest. We link discovery, diagnostics, modelling, trials and implementation to support rapid, evidence-based responses.

Managing and preparing for disease outbreaks

Protecting vulnerable populations

Inequalities mean the most vulnerable populations are often most affected and least able to respond. Equity is at the heart of our mission, and our research focuses on improving health outcomes for the most disadvantaged communities.

Protecting vulnerable populations