A recent study that happened throughout  January and February from Duke University School of Medicine found that fungi could become life-threatening to humans due to temperature rising because of climate change.

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play a critical role in our planet's ecosystems. 

They break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and provide food for other living things. 

However, the study revealed that the impact of climate change on fungi could lead to unwanted ecological shifts and challenges.

One of the most significant effects of climate change on fungi is the increase in temperature and humidity levels. 

As global temperatures rise, many fungal species could expand their range and become more abundant, leading to changes in the composition of ecosystems, with some species outcompeting others for resources and altering food webs.

Climate change could also disrupt fungal life cycles, leading to fluctuations in fungal populations.

These changes could cause boom-and-bust cycles that could harm the rest of the ecosystem. 

For example, some species of fungi are responsible for breaking down dead plant material. 

Suppose they become less abundant due to climate change. 

In that case, this could lead to an accumulation of dead plant material and a reduction in soil nutrients, which could harm other organisms.

Another impact of climate change on fungi is the spread of invasive species. 

Invasive fungi can cause significant damage to ecosystems by outcompeting native species, altering nutrient cycling, and even causing disease outbreaks. 

In a warmer climate, invasive fungi could expand their range, posing a massive threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Despite these concerns, some researchers are exploring the potential benefits of fungi in a warmer, more humid world. 

For instance, some fungi are known for their ability to break down pollutants and degrade toxic chemicals. 

As climate change intensifies environmental degradation, these species could become increasingly valuable.

Furthermore, the study demonstrated fungi may be crucial in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils and other organic matter. 

By storing carbon in the soil, fungi can help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and slow down the rate of climate change.

While the full extent of the impact of climate change on fungi is still uncertain, it's clear that fungi play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our planet's ecosystems. 

Their response to climate change will have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and human well-being.

Therefore, it's essential to understand the potential risks and benefits of fungi in a changing climate. 

Further research is needed to identify the fungal species most vulnerable to climate change and develop strategies to protect them.

One approach suggested is to create protected areas for fungi, similar to those for endangered species. 

Based on the vulnerability of certain species to climate change, measures could be taken to ensure that the ecosystems in these areas are protected from other environmental threats.

Another strategy is to develop fungal-based technologies for environmental remediation. 

By harnessing the ability of fungi to break down pollutants and degrade toxic chemicals, researchers could develop fungi-based technologies that can help clean up contaminated sites and reduce the impact of environmental pollution.

Finally, there's a need for increased public awareness of the importance of fungi in the planet's ecosystems. 

This involves education campaigns, public outreach programs, and collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Yoojoon Song
Year 11
Dulwich College Seoul