Warming climate could mean longer mosquito season – NBC Connecticut

Report on Climate Change, Mosquito Proliferation, and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary: Ecological Shifts and Global Health Implications

Recent entomological findings in Iceland and ongoing ecological changes in Connecticut, USA, highlight the profound impact of climate change on ecosystems and public health. The unprecedented appearance of mosquitoes in Iceland and the extension of their active season in Connecticut are direct challenges to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This report analyzes these developments and their connection to the global sustainability framework.

2.0 Key Finding: Mosquito Introduction in Iceland

The first-ever discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland marks a significant ecological shift, transforming a previously mosquito-free region. This event serves as a critical indicator of the effects of global warming, as the Arctic is one of the fastest-warming locations on Earth.

• Ecological Impact (SDG 15: Life on Land): The introduction of a new species into a pristine ecosystem threatens local biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Climate Indicator (SDG 13: Climate Action): The survival of mosquitoes in a sub-Arctic nation underscores the urgency of addressing rising global temperatures. Continued monitoring is required to determine if a breeding population becomes established.

3.0 Case Analysis: Connecticut’s Changing Mosquito Landscape

Data from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reveals significant changes in the state’s mosquito population, driven by climate change. These changes have direct consequences for public health and community resilience.

1. Extended Mosquito Season: Dr. Philip Armstrong, Chief Scientist, reports that warmer temperatures are prolonging the mosquito season, which typically peaks in July but now extends well into October. This directly increases the period of risk for the public, impacting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
2. Delayed Hard Freeze: A hard freeze (at or below 28 degrees) is necessary to end the mosquito season. Analysis of temperature records shows the first hard freeze has occurred late in 21 of the last 30 years, extending the threat of mosquito activity.
3. Increased Species Diversity (SDG 15: Life on Land): Connecticut’s warming climate is becoming more hospitable to mosquito species migrating from southern regions. This alters the local ecosystem and introduces new potential vectors for disease.
4. Human-Facilitated Spread (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities): The transport of mosquito eggs in artificial containers, such as discarded tires and pots, facilitates the spread of invasive species. This highlights the need for improved waste management and community planning to create healthier, more sustainable living environments.

4.0 Public Health Risks and Connection to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

While the introduction of new mosquito species complicates the public health landscape, the primary concern remains the extended activity period of existing disease vectors.

• Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A longer season increases the potential for transmission of viruses like West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
• Transmission Complexity: According to Dr. Armstrong, the transmission of these viruses is driven by specific mosquito species whose populations have remained relatively stable. However, warmer and wetter summer weather, a consequence of climate change, has historically correlated with spikes in mosquito populations and disease outbreaks.
• Proactive Health Measures: The extended mosquito season necessitates longer periods of public vigilance and preventative measures, placing a greater emphasis on public health infrastructure and education to achieve SDG 3.

5.0 Conclusion: An Integrated Approach Through the SDGs

The expansion of mosquito habitats is a clear and measurable consequence of climate change, with direct impacts on global health and ecosystems. Addressing this challenge requires an integrated approach guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Mitigating climate change is the fundamental solution to curbing the expansion of disease vectors like mosquitoes.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Public health systems must adapt to longer seasons of vector-borne disease risk through enhanced surveillance, control, and public awareness campaigns.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting biodiversity requires preventing the introduction and establishment of invasive species accelerated by climate change.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary themes of climate change, its impact on ecosystems, and the resulting public health risks align with the following SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article discusses the potential for an increase in mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and West Nile due to changing climate conditions and the introduction of new mosquito species. This directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: This is a central theme of the article. It explicitly links “climate change” and “warming conditions” to tangible environmental shifts, such as the first-ever sighting of mosquitoes in Iceland, a longer mosquito season in Connecticut, and the fact that “the Arctic is one of the fastest-warming locations on Earth.”
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The article addresses changes in terrestrial ecosystems. The arrival of mosquitoes in Iceland for the first time and the statement that Connecticut’s mosquito population is “becoming more diverse” with species moving in from the south represent climate-induced changes to local biodiversity and the introduction of new species into ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific issues discussed, the following targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Target 3.3: “By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.” The article’s concern about mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and West Nile falls under the category of “other communicable diseases.” The changing mosquito patterns represent a challenge to controlling these diseases.
   • Target 3.d: “Strengthen the capacity of all countries… for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.” The work of Dr. Philip Armstrong and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in monitoring mosquito populations and their lifecycles is a direct example of institutional capacity for early warning and health risk management.
2. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The extended mosquito season and the introduction of new species are climate-related hazards. The scientific monitoring described in the article is a foundational step in building adaptive capacity to these changing health risks.
   • Target 13.3: “Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.” The article itself serves as a tool for awareness-raising by explaining the link between warmer temperatures and mosquito activity. The research station represents the institutional capacity for early warning mentioned in this target.
3. Under SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Target 15.8: “By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems…” The article describes new mosquito species “moving into the state from the south” and appearing in Iceland for the first time. These can be considered alien species whose introduction and survival are facilitated by a warming climate, altering the local ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several specific indicators that can be used to measure the impacts discussed:

• Indicator for Climate Change Impact (Relates to Target 13.1): The article provides a direct, measurable indicator of local climate change by referencing temperature records. It states, “our first hard freeze has been late 21 out of 30 times” and specifies that this year it “occurred on Nov. 7 – 10 days late from the average date of Oct. 28.” The timing of the first hard freeze is a concrete metric for tracking the lengthening of warmer seasons.
• Indicator for Ecosystem Change (Relates to Target 15.8): The presence and diversity of new species is an implied indicator. The article notes the “first time ever, mosquitoes have been found in Iceland” and that in Connecticut, “more species of mosquitoes…are becoming more diverse.” Tracking the number and type of new mosquito species in these regions would serve as an indicator of ecosystem change.
• Indicator for Public Health Risk (Relates to Target 3.3): The incidence of mosquito-borne diseases is an implied indicator. While the article states the link is “complicated,” it raises the concern about “an increase in mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and West Nile.” Monitoring the rates of these diseases would be the key indicator of the public health impact.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nbcconnecticut.com