Emerging research indicates that climate change is influencing the human gut microbiome, with potential consequences for global health. Factors such as heat stress, altered food quality, and environmental changes are contributing to disruptions in gut microbial communities, which play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

• Key Findings
• Rising temperatures can disrupt the composition of gut microbiota, weakening immune responses and increasing vulnerability to infections and nutrient malabsorption.
• Climate-induced changes in food availability and quality can alter the balance of gut microbes, potentially increasing harmful bacteria while decreasing beneficial species, which affects metabolism and immune function.
• Environmental changes, such as shifts in soil and water ecosystems, can indirectly influence the human microbiome through food and water sources, leading to decreased microbial diversity.
• Disruptions in gut microbiota are linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and infections, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas.
• Populations in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by climate-induced gut health challenges due to limited resources for adaptation, worsening existing health disparities.