Viruses and Climate Change: Looking for a Connection

Dear Colleagues,

As we confront the nexus of two influential and dynamic forces—viruses and climate change—it becomes increasingly evident that their intricate connection is a focal point of scientific curiosity, concern, and research. Viruses, the microscopic agents of infectious diseases, and climate change, the systemic alterations in Earth's weather patterns, are engaged in a complex interaction that deserves to be explored in depth. The relationship between viruses and climate change is multifaceted. Climatic factors, such as changes in temperature, extreme weather events, and alterations in precipitation patterns, have the potential to influence the dynamics of virus spread. These climate changes can impact the prevalence, transmission rates, and geographic distribution of viruses and other microorganisms, which can be virus connected, leading to new challenges for global health. In contrast, from ancient times up to now, viruses, as biological entities, possess the ability to adapt and evolve in response to changes in the environmental conditions. The consequences of these adaptations can manifest themselves in altered virulence, transmission dynamics, and host range, presenting complex challenges for understanding and managing infectious diseases in the context of a changing climate. Beyond human health, the interconnection between viruses and climate change extends to ecological and environmental dimensions. Ecosystem disruptions brought about by climate-induced factors such as deforestation, habitat loss, and urbanization can affect reservoirs and transmission patterns of viruses. The consequences ripple across species boundaries, with implications for wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations. This complex association prompts us to explore not only the immediate public health impacts but also the broader ecological and social implications. Seeking this understanding is critical to developing informed strategies to mitigate potential risks, protect biodiversity, and ensure ecosystem resilience in the face of the changing climate and viral landscapes.

The Special Issue invites submissions on the following topics, but additional relevant contributions are also welcome:

1. Climate-Driven Viral Dynamics: Investigate the influence of global climate variations on the prevalence and behavior of viruses, exploring how climate factors may shape viral epidemiology.
2. Eco-Evolutionary Responses of Viruses: Examine how viruses adapt and evolve in response to changing environmental conditions, impacting their virulence, transmission patterns, and host range.
3. Climate Change as a Catalyst for Viral Pandemics: Explore the potential role of climate change in triggering or exacerbating viral pandemics, considering factors such as altered ecosystems, extreme weather events, and habitat disruption.
4. Resilience and Adaptation Strategies: Discuss strategies for mitigating the impact of viral infections in the context of climate change, considering both global and local perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Sandra Mazzoli
Dr. Francesco Branda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• one health
• climate change
• zoonotic potential
• environmental health
• global health
• viral dynamics
• eco-evolutionary responses
• viral pandemics
• resilience