The climate change–pollution–aerobiome nexus: A ‘systems thinking’ mini-review

Abstract

The interrelationship between climate change, pollution and the aerobiome (the microbiome of the air) is a complex ecological dynamic with profound implications for human and ecosystem health. This mini-review explores the multifaceted relationships among these factors. By synthesising existing research and integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, we examine the mechanisms driving interactions within the climate change–pollution–aerobiome nexus. We also explore synergistic and cascading effects and potential impacts on human health (including both communicable and non-communicable diseases) and that of wider ecosystems. Based on our mini-review results, climate change influences air pollution and, independently, air pollution affects the composition, diversity and activity of the aerobiome. However, we apply a ‘systems thinking’ approach and create a set of systems diagrams to show that climate change likely influences the aerobiome (including bacteria and fungi) via climate change–pollution interactions in complex ways. Due to the inherent complexity of these systems, we emphasise the importance of holistic and/or interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts in understanding this nexus to safeguard planetary health in an era of rapid environmental change.