Thankfully, no. Mosquitos may have played a key role in spreading pandemics in the past, but that’s not the case this time around. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the virus, but you can be sure you can’t get it from a mosquito bite.

So why is that? Why do mosquitos carry other diseases, but not this one?

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, meaning it affects the lungs. The virus latches onto respiratory droplets that your body produces when you cough, sneeze or talk. If you’re close enough to someone with COVID-19, you could inhale these droplets, delivering the virus to your lungs.

Medical professionals think it can spread a couple of other ways, too. It’s possible that the coronavirus can live on surfaces, and if you touch these and then your mouth or nose, you could contract it. But where do mosquitos fit into all of this?

Mosquitos transmit diseases through the blood. If a mosquito bites a person with a bloodborne disease and then bites you, it can give you that illness. Since COVID-19 isn’t a bloodborne virus, mosquitos can’t contract it, so they can’t give it to you.

What Diseases Can Mosquitos Carry?

This isn’t to say that mosquitos are perfectly safe, though. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 53,000 cases of insect-borne illnesses every year, and mosquitos account for a lot of that. You may not be able to contract COVID-19 from one, but they can still carry other diseases.

You may already know that mosquitos are the primary carriers of malaria and dengue fever. They’ve even contributed to other pandemics in the past. If you recall, mosquitos were to blame for the Zika outbreak in 2015 and 2016.

Before you go and wage war on these insects, though, you should know they’re not all bad. Yes, mosquitos can transmit various diseases, and they can also be irritating. At the same time, they may play an essential role in the ecosystem.

Mosquitos’ Ecological Impact

There’s a fair amount of debate about just how essential mosquitos are. Removing any species from an ecosystem could have drastic side effects, though. For example, mosquitos are a primary food source for many species of insects, reptiles, arachnids, amphibians and fish.

Many animals have evolved to catch and eat specific prey, so changing their diet isn’t always an option. For example, the aptly named mosquitofish could become endangered or even extinct without this food source. While some predators could switch to eating other insects, others may not be able to.

In some parts of the world, mosquitos are crucial pollinators. Mosquitos only bite to get the necessary protein to lay eggs, so most of the time, they rely on a diet of nectar. Without them, thousands of plant species would have trouble surviving.

The pesticides we use to kill mosquitos can damage other parts of the environment too. Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) is more deadly to bats than it is to their prey. If nothing else, scientists just don’t know enough about mosquitos to say what their removal could do to the environment.

Managing Mosquitos Ethically

Mosquitos can carry some deadly diseases, but you don’t have to worry about contracting the coronavirus from one. As irritating as they may be, trying to eradicate them could cause more harm than good. Avoiding mosquito bites is an excellent idea, as long as you do so ethically.

Using less toxic repellants or steering clear of ideal mosquito habitats are good places to start. As summer rolls around, try your best to avoid mosquitos, but don’t worry if one bites you. At the very least, it won’t give you the coronavirus.

The past few years have been marked by an uptick in extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires. These events, paired with record temperatures and other unusual weather phenomena — like an unusually early spring in the U.K. last year and record rainfall in the American Midwest — have led some to wonder if climate change may be behind the increase in natural disasters.

So — is climate change really making the weather more extreme?

How Climate Change Causes More Extreme Weather

In short, probably.

Scientists are reasonably sure that increased temperatures as the result of climate change have made extremes in precipitation — heavy rainfall and drought — more likely. The relationship between all extreme weather and climate change is less clear. There is evidence, however, to suggest that higher temperatures make for more intense weather. One analysis from Carbon Brief estimated that 68% of all severe weather phenomena to date were made more likely by the effects of climate change.

You can think about the relationship between climate change and weather like adding gas to a fuel tank or a log to a fire. The more energy you have, the bigger the result you’ll get.

For example, natural disasters like tropical storms and hurricanes effectively use warm water as fuel. So long as a storm is over high-temperature water, it can grow in intensity. Record sea surfaces, as a result, can create extremely intense storms, like Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. At the same time, warm surface temperatures also produce more water vapor. This vapor rises into the atmosphere, then falls as rain — causing the flooding associated with hurricanes.

Hotter temperatures also tend to dry out areas that are already prone to droughts — such as much of California and Australia. The drier these places get, the more kindling there is for wildfires. When an area is dry enough, all it takes is a misplaced campfire or a sparking electrical wire for a massive blaze to begin.

Will rising temperatures continue to make extreme weather events even more extreme? Major utility companies seem to think so. Utilities previously struck by extreme weather events have spent large amounts of money strengthening their infrastructure in anticipation of similar events in the future. Investors, similarly, are also preparing for a future in which extreme weather is more common.

Reducing and Preventing Disasters Related to Climate Change

The impact and intensity of future weather aren’t guaranteed — people can do a lot to both prevent future weather events and prepare for their arrival.

Policies that reduce global carbon emissions and pull greenhouse gases — like carbon dioxide — out of the atmosphere will likely be an effective solution in the long run. Lower temperatures may help bring the intensity of precipitation, storms and droughts back to normal levels.

Strengthening infrastructure that’s threatened by extreme weather can also help. 2019’s Californian wildfires may have been caused in part by the failure of aging electrical equipment. Much of America’s electrical grid has similar issues. Investment in old and failure-prone infrastructure can prevent these kinds of disasters in the future.

Similarly, building or reinforcing coastal structures to withstand hurricane-force winds can help coastal communities handle hurricanes and major storms.

You can take some steps within your own life to prepare for more extreme weather. Start by familiarizing yourself with the steps you should take immediately following a natural disaster like a wildfire or hurricane. You can also consider preparing your home for potential bad weather and investigating relevant insurance plans — like policies that cover damage caused by flooding or wildfires.

Handling Weather Events Caused by Climate Change

Scientists agree that climate change is probably making extreme weather events more severe and more frequent. In the future, we’ll likely see higher numbers of high-intensity hurricanes and wildfires, assuming current patterns and predictions hold.

Lawmakers can prevent these events with policies aimed at reducing the impact of greenhouse gases. The influence of these atmospheric gases can also be lessened with upgrades to infrastructure — like new power lines and buildings designed to withstand strong winds and storm surges.

Fashion is an industry that sometimes flies under the radar in terms of its environmental impact. And while it has always had these effects, the industry has increased production drastically in the last few years alone. With this change comes more energy and water consumption, more air and ocean pollution and more carbon emissions.

The fashion industry produces approximately 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. This number will increase as “fast fashion” does as well. With climate change becoming more of a threat with each day, people are looking into ways to push back against fast fashion.

But what exactly is fast fashion?

What Is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion is a term that refers to the increase in the production of clothing. With the internet being as necessary and popular as it is, trends are changing constantly. And clothing brands want to stay connected and keep up with those trends.

With supply and demand necessities and pressures to fulfill capitalistic demands, the industry is at a peak of production that it hasn’t seen before. People buy more clothes, get rid of them faster and look for the cheapest options. This dynamic is a cycle.

Companies are putting out more clothing options and collections than ever. Zara, for instance, is one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world. In 2012, they produced 840 million articles of clothing.

With production that high, the environmental effects increase drastically.

The Effects of Fast Fashion

Clothing production has approximately doubled since 2000, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down. With the increase comes more impacts on the environment than ever before.

On top of the industry’s CO2 emissions, it also affects water consumption and air and ocean pollution. It’s the second-largest consumer of water. And many of the clothes and particles end up in landfills and oceans.

The microplastics in clothes are non-biodegradable and pollute the water. And the production of the clothing uses a significant amount of energy resources and gives off carbon emissions.

With fast fashion increasing, so will these affects. But the environment isn’t the only area of vulnerability.

Worker treatment and wages are an area for concern and attention. Many factories that produce fashion garments all over the globe do not provide healthy working conditions or fair wages for their employees. The higher and faster the demand for clothes, the more they will have to work.

The promise of sustainability only goes so far with certain companies. Some guarantee eco-friendly production and materials, while others use it as a marketing tacting. Sustainability affects the environment and all people, which is why it is necessary to get involved.

How Can You Help?

You may want to get active to help change your role or involvement with clothing purchases. Luckily, there are small ways that can make a big difference when shopping.

First, know who made your clothes. This will take a bit of research, but you can look into your favorite brands and see where their clothes come from. Are they a sustainable company? What does the production process look like?

From there, you may either choose to continue buying from that brand or spend elsewhere. A good alternative to the bigger companies is small businesses. If you find a small business that has sustainable production, it might be a better investment for you.

Sustainable clothing also requires eco-friendly materials. Recycled versions of cotton, wool, nylon or polyester are better for the environment than anything non-recycled. These will have an easier time biodegrading.

Linen and hemp are becoming popular, too. So, keep an eye out for the best materials for sustainability and production.

Consider clothing swaps and donating as well. Since clothes are recently getting less and less of a shelf-life, trading or donating clothes can keep their usefulness going. It could also help someone in need, too.

Finally, consider buying less of something inexpensive and opt for something more durable. For example, go for the $20 t-shirt instead of the three-pack of t-shirts for $10. Consider how much you’ll wear them and weigh their production effects, and see which is more sustainable for you to buy.

Though fast fashion does pose an environmental threat, these tips can help you bring about small changes that can lead to something bigger. Think of the movement for plastic straw alternatives. People came together and spoke, and companies listened.

Changes on a small scale that come together have the ability to create change at the industry level.

The two main kinds of air pollution are ozone and particle contamination. You’ve probably heard people talking about ozone before, but you may be less familiar with particle pollution.

What Is Particle Pollution?

Particle pollution refers to tiny liquid and solid particles suspended in the air. Car exhaust, smoke and even dust are all examples of these pollutants. People often categorize these particulates within two groups — coarse particles, which are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers, and fine particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers.

These particles can cause health problems like irregular heartbeats and difficulty breathing. They may lead to lung cancer or hinder children’s development. In severe cases, particle pollution can even cause premature death.

Particulates can also have environmental effects. At their least severe, particles can cause a haze, making it difficult to see. But they can also be more damaging, affecting the balance of nutrients within vital waterways or contributing to acid rain.

How Can You Reduce Particle Pollution?

Particle pollution is a concerning issue, but it’s not difficult to combat. There are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the number of particulates in the air. Here are five easy ways you can help fight it:

1. Stop Smoking

You already know smoking is bad for your health. But did you know it also contributes to pollution? Tobacco smoke contains harmful particles that are bad for you and the environment.

For both your sake and the sake of your natural surroundings, you may want to quit smoking. If you must smoke, do it outside to avoid bringing particles inside your home.

2. Heavy Cleaning

Dusting and vacuuming can generate particles by stirring up dust. To minimize the amount of dirt that these activities release into the air, clean more thoroughly and more often. You may even consider hiring a cleaning company to clean deeper than the average person can, preventing dust buildup.

3. Use Fireplaces Sparingly

Wood burning is one of the most significant contributors to particle pollution from domestic sources. If you cut back on using your fireplace, you can reduce the number of particles in the air.

When you do make a fire, try to use dead, dry wood to reduce the amount of smoke. You should also clean your chimney periodically to stop soot from accumulating in your home.

4. Don’t Burn Yard Waste

After you’ve cleaned up your yard, it may be tempting to burn the twigs and leaves you’ve gathered. But burning yard waste releases a lot of unnecessary smoke into the atmosphere. It may be less convenient, but it helps the environment if you use your waste company’s yard waste services.

If you wanted to go one step further, you could even mulch or compost your yard waste. These practices are cost-effective and great for the environment.

5. Reduce Vehicle Emissions

You’re probably well-aware at this point that gas-powered vehicles are hazardous to the environment. Car exhaust is full of dangerous particles that affect the health of both people and the environment. One of the best ways to reduce air pollution is by driving your car less.

Consider walking, riding a bicycle or carpooling. Taking public transportation can also be a significant help in reducing emissions.

How to Minimize Your Pollution Exposure

There are many ways to keep yourself safe from particle pollution. Decreasing your contribution will do a lot of good, but you can also avoid particulates from other sources. Minimizing your exposure will help you stay healthy.

If you go jogging, avoid doing so around heavy traffic or on days of high air pollution levels. You can check local air quality forecasts to see if it may be better to stay inside for a day. If you have school-age children, you can check if the school is involved in the EPA’s clean school bus program to minimize their exposure to pollutants.

Prioritize Your Health by Stopping Pollution

You shouldn’t take particle pollution lightly, but that doesn’t mean you need to worry about it. By making small adjustments to your day-to-day activities, you can avoid particulates and help make the world a cleaner place.

Many of us are aware that climate change has massive implications, many of which have already transformed our planet. Cities have recently experienced immense floods – carbon emissions are on the rise and ice in the Arctic Ocean has melted almost entirely. As time goes on, these issues will only get worse unless we take the necessary measures.

But if that’s not enough to turn you into an activist, here’s this – climate change directly harms people around the world. Take a look.

Extreme Weather Trends

The effects of climate change reveal themselves in several ways. One of the most prominent is the occurrence of severe weather events. Think about the recent bushfires on the eastern coast of Australia and the Venice floods back in November. These aren’t random situations – climate change has threatened the existence of many locations around the world.

While these areas house historical landmarks, they are also home to people and animals. Even towns and cities that aren’t near bodies of water will be harmed, as extreme weather trends aren’t limited to fires and floods. Hurricane and cyclone speeds have increased over time as well.

What this means is that within the next hundred years, if not sooner, our environments may become damaged. To preserve our homes, it’s necessary to recognize this and take proper action. Many towns, and the real estate agents and investors within them, have started to pour resources into this effort, as it directly affects their livelihood.

Diseases & Illnesses

As time goes on, our planet remains affected by climate change, as does our health. When temperature levels soar and an inevitable increase in pollution occurs, we’re more likely to have cardiovascular problems and endure heart attacks and diseases.

Also, our allergies may worsen as the amount of pollen in the air is on the rise. Alongside those intense weather trends comes the ability to spread diseases. Many scientists believe that an uptick in heat and rainfall will create the perfect conditions for outbreaks. In this case, we may experience water-related illnesses due to pathogens and vector-borne diseases from mosquitos and fleas.

Food Security

As the globe’s population continues to rise, so does the need for food. Unfortunately, agricultural production is threatened by climate change. Both greenhouse gases and the increase in temperatures directly affect various crops, from legumes to corn. Water scarcity may also impact meat production. Pollution and instances of overkill already harm fisheries, but marine disease outbreaks and changes in the season provide even more stressors. Transportation systems used to move crops to various locations may be affected by increased natural disasters. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can also remove nutrients in our fruits and vegetables.

As droughts increase and there are fewer resources for irrigation, it’s difficult to foresee a future with ample food.

Travel

Did you take a flight recently and endure an extra bumpy ride? Scientists believe that climate change is expected to strengthen vertical wind shears at higher altitudes, which will increase turbulence. When an airplane experience this, passengers and flight attendants can endure rather serious injuries. This creates the chance for injury.

But this already happens on airplanes, so where’s the cause for concern? Turbulence will grow in severity by 149%, which is a very high jump. All this to say that even the way we get around is affected by climate change. The same goes for water travel – with stronger storms and high water levels, boaters may find it hard to navigate the open water in years to come.

Mental Health Issues

Climate change is often a difficult subject to think about. Unfortunately, as there’s a surge in floods, tornadoes and fires, there’s an increase in mental health issues. Those who experience these events are left with long-term trauma as they try to reconstruct their lives. This is especially true for more vulnerable people, like the elderly and disabled.

In the event of a disaster, people who are already diagnosed with mental illnesses will have limited access to services and infrastructures they rely on. Further, many with mental health issues live in poverty, so if they experience an extreme weather condition, it’ll be harder for them to bounce back.

Lack of Water

A lack of water is one of the main ways we’ll experience the effects of climate change. If our current situation persists, in five years, two-thirds of the world will live under water-stressed conditions. Desertification is a huge issue that many people in already dry climates have experienced.

As we know, climate change causes an increase in temperature. This means that more and more, our water sources have begun to dry up. The distribution of rainfall in some areas of the world will be affected and cause major damage. Water quality as a whole may deteriorate, which will most-noticeably harm low-income individuals across the globe. As groundwater evaporates, wells become unusable. Every community must have access to sustainable water sources.

Don’t Wait to Make a Change

It’s apparent that climate change has begun to affect both the planet and the human race. From extreme weather to food scarcity to mental health issues, there’s a lot to worry about. Luckily, scientists, governments and activists alike have started to do their part to put an end to it – and so can you! There are adjustments you can make at home, in your diet and in your daily activities that will benefit the world. Reach out to others so they can do their part, too. When we all work together, great things can happen.