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4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why scientists fear climate change could help Covid to thrive
From Indigenous communities in the Amazon to the frozen continent of Antarctica, the Covid-19 virus has spread at an unprecedented pace to some of the world's most remote areas after it was first reported in Wuhan in December 2019. To date, more than 778 million cases across 240 countries have been reported by the World Health Organisation, with new variants continuing to emerge. 778 million cases across 240 countries While globalisation and international transport are well-known drivers of the rapid spread of the virus, emerging research suggests climate change can influence Covid-19 transmission, mutation, and human susceptibility to infection. Researchers believe that increased exposure to animals, that can carry viruses and transmit them to humans, may lead to a rise in cases. 'As we disturb natural ecosystems and bring wildlife, especially bats in the case of Covid, into closer contact with other animals and people, the risk of diseases jumping between species increases,' Dr Efstathios Giotis, lecturer in virology at University of Essex, told The Independent. 'In fact, there is growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 may have first jumped from bats to an intermediate animal, such as raccoon dogs, before eventually infecting humans.' After initial debate, there is now broad scientific consensus that bats were the so-called reservoir, where Covid pathogens existed and multiplied. Changing weather patterns and ecosystems have increased human contact with wildlife and created conditions conducive to viral survival. Extreme weather events further exacerbate exposure, susceptibility, and strain emergency responses. As noted by experts in The Lancet Planetary Health, the emergence of Covid-19 coincided with one of the hottest years on record, marked by notable climatic extremes. Record-breaking heat, rising sea levels, melting ice, and extreme weather reinforced evidence that the Earth is undergoing dangerous change for key climate indicators, according to the latest State of the Global Climate report. Last year was the first in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, with extreme weather events leading to the highest number of new displacements since 2008, the report said. Transmission Covid-19 is transmitted through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, speaks, sneezes or coughs. Rising temperatures and relative humidity help infectious particles survive longer and remain suspended in the air, influencing transmission, scientists explained in a paper published in Frontiers in Medicine. Increased rainfall, flooding, and climate-driven displacement forces people into close contact, boosting infection chances and contributing to higher prevalence in areas with high population density. Displacement also makes hygiene practices harder to maintain, the UNHCR emphasised. More widely, deforestation increases the risk of transmission for zoonotic diseases, passed from animal to human, and potentially new coronaviruses. 'The big issue of novel zoonotic disease is how we have eroded ecosystems and their natural regulation of disease transmission,' Dr Mark Everard, Ecosystem Services Professor at the University of the West of England told The Independent. Habitat loss and expanding roads into less degraded areas reduce the buffer natural habitats create from humans, Dr Everard explained. Mutation As habitat and buffer loss increases the chance of coronavirus jumping or 'spilling' from animals to humans, it increases the likelihood of mutations occurring. 'Climate doesn't directly change how fast pathogens mutate, but it can create more chances for mutations to happen,' Dr Efstathios Giotis, also Infectious Disease Research Fellow at Imperial College London, told The Independent. 'For example, when climate events occur such as unusually warm temperatures or habitat changes (such as a bushfire), they can push animals into closer contact with other species or humans. 'In this way viruses like influenza or coronaviruses have more opportunities to jump or spillover between species. 'Each spillover event increases the chances for new mutations to develop.' Susceptibility Climate factors can also make people more susceptible to Covid-19. Dust from desertification damages the respiratory tract, giving the virus deeper access and increasing disease severity, research in Frontiers in Medicine explained. In the case of wildfires, tiny particulate matter, known as PM2.5, in smoke irritate and inflame the lungs, increasing the risk of infection. Measuring just 2.5 micrometers in diameter, PM2.5 enters the blood stream and lodges deep in organs. This risk increases for children, with small lungs, or people with pre-existing organ conditions, research in the The Lancet Planetary explained. 'Organisms stressed by heat, water, etc. have lower resistance to infections,' added Dr Everard, referring to plants, animals or humans who either carry infections or are infected. Emergency responses Climate hazards can interfere in the delivery of public services and staff mobilisation, research in The Lancet added. For example, power disruptions can affect health facilities and wildfires divert emergency staff attention. Contract tracing also becomes harder as, for example, people move and intermingle in response to flooding. While research into the links between climate and Covid-19 is still ongoing and some studies are inconclusive, the experts warned: 'Multiple risks can all affect health systems, leading to negative outcomes for people and locations with low capacities to respond to Covid-19.'
Metro
18-07-2025
- Metro
Four students killed in 94mph crash after drunk driver lost control of car
Four students died when their car crashed into a building after the driver lost control while over the alcohol limit and doing 94mph in a 30mph zone, an inquest heard. Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22, died at the scene of the crash in Magdalen Street, Colchester, shortly before 4.40am on February 1. All four were students at the University of Essex and were born in London. Essex Coroner's Court heard on Friday that Mr Bayley was driving the Ford Focus and had a blood alcohol level of about 2.5 times the drink drive limit, according to toxicology results. Analysis of footage from a CCTV camera 170 metres away from where the car crashed showed the car was travelling at about 94mph, give or take 6.3mph, the court heard. Essex's senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said the medical cause of death for Mr Bayley and Ms Darold-Tchikaya was severe traumatic head injuries, and for Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert it was multiple injuries. Mr Brookes concluded all four died as a result of a road traffic collision. He said they were students at the University of Essex and three of them were promising basketball players, 'all of them with a lot of potential and dreams for the future'. They met up for an 'ordinary night out as students' and people were talking afterwards, then all four got in a black Ford Focus ST. He said: 'It was driven by Makyle Bayley, I'm quite satisfied that three of them were under the influence of alcohol, Makyle Bayley over 2.5 times the limit for drink driving in this country, and for what it's worth, his two male friends were also in drink but of course they weren't driving. I note that Eva it seems had not been drinking at all.' Mr Brookes added the vehicle was seen at 'great speed' and said he does not know why. About 180 metres from the final resting point, his speed was about 94mph, give or take about 6mph, the car had its headlights on, and they had their seat belts on, the coroner said. He added it was the speed and intoxication that were the main drivers in understanding the crash. The vehicle's off-side wheel hit a small island, and it went across the opposite carriageway, over the footpath, hitting steps outside a property, which sent the car turning and collided roof-first on its side into a building, ending up either wholly or partially inside the building, Mr Brookes said. 'There was no possibility of these individuals ever being saved,' he said. The coroner gave his conclusion then told the court what would be on the records, and in terms of Mr Bayley, said he 'died of severe traumatic head injuries when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a building'. He added: 'He had lost control of his vehicle due to grossly excessive speed, approximately 94mph in a 30mph zone, and alcohol intoxication. 'The three other passengers also died.' Pen portraits of Mr Bayley, Ms Darold-Tchikaya, Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol, written by their families, were read to the court by the coroner. Mr Bayley's family described him as a 'truly remarkable young man whose light and energy touched all who knew him'. Their statement added: 'You were the best of all of us, you will never be forgotten.' Mr Wol's family said he was 'always encouraging those around him to strive for the best', and added: 'We wish to convey to the inquest that Daljang was a valued member of not just his family but his community.' Mr Hibbert's family said: 'It's difficult to summarise 24 years of memories, love, joy and happiness in one sitting, but what we can take away from today is that TJ has played an important role in our lives. He knew how to live life to the fullest.' More Trending They added: 'The void that he has left can never be filled and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.' And Ms Darold-Tchikaya's family described her as a 'calm and kind soul'. They said: 'There are no words to describe our despair and pain, we will miss our beautiful daughter until the end of time.' The coroner offered his condolences to the families who attended the inquest. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: 'Gangster granny' who got her cat a £400 Gucci collar jailed over £80,000,000 cocaine plot MORE: Plane forced to land unexpectedly after passenger tries to open door mid-air MORE: Coward who murdered ex's 'gentle' dad in 'revenge' for break-up jailed for life
North Wales Chronicle
18-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Four students killed in crash after driver lost control at about 94mph
Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22, died at the scene of the crash in Magdalen Street, Colchester, shortly before 4.40am on February 1. All four were students at the University of Essex and were born in London. Essex Coroner's Court heard on Friday that Mr Bayley was driving the Ford Focus, and had a blood alcohol level of about 2.5 times the drink drive limit, according to toxicology results. Analysis of footage from a CCTV camera 170 metres away from where the car crashed showed the car was travelling at about 94mph, give or take 6.3mph, the court heard. Essex's senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said the medical cause of death for Mr Bayley and Miss Darold-Tchikaya was severe traumatic head injuries, and for Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert it was multiple injuries. Mr Brookes concluded all four died as a result of a road traffic collision. Mr Brookes said they were students at the University of Essex and three of them were promising basketball players, 'all of them with a lot of potential and dreams for the future'. They met up for an 'ordinary night out as students' and people were talking afterwards, then all four got in a black Ford Focus ST. He said: 'It was driven by Makyle Bayley, I'm quite satisfied that three of them were under the influence of alcohol, Makyle Bayley over 2.5 times the limit for drink driving in this country, and for what it's worth, his two male friends were also in drink but of course they weren't driving. I note that Eva it seems had not been drinking at all.' Mr Brookes added the vehicle was seen at 'great speed' and said he does not know why. About 180 metres from the final resting point, his speed was about 94mph, give or take about 6mph, the car had its headlights on and they had their seat belts on, the coroner said. He added it was the speed and intoxication that were the main drivers in understanding the crash. The vehicle's off-side wheel hit a small island and it went across the opposite carriageway, over the footpath, hitting steps outside a property, which sent the car turning and collided roof-first on its side into a building, ending up either wholly or partially inside the building, Mr Brookes said. 'There was no possibility of these individuals ever being saved,' he said. The coroner gave his conclusion then told the court what would be on the records, and in terms of Mr Bayley, said he 'died of severe traumatic head injuries when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a building'. He added: 'He had lost control of his vehicle due to grossly excessive speed, approximately 94mph in a 30mph zone, and alcohol intoxication. 'The three other passengers also died.' Pen portraits of Mr Bayley, Ms Darold-Tchikaya, Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol, written by their families, were read to the court by the coroner. Mr Bayley's family described him as a 'truly remarkable young man whose light and energy touched all who knew him'. Their statement added: 'You were the best of all of us, you will never be forgotten.' Mr Wol's family said he was 'always encouraging those around him to strive for the best', and added: 'We wish to convey to the inquest that Daljang was a valued member of not just his family but his community.' Mr Hibbert's family said: 'It's difficult to summarise 24 years of memories, love, joy and happiness in one sitting, but what we can take away from today is that TJ has played an important role in our lives. He knew how to live life to the fullest.' They added: 'The void that he has left can never be filled and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.' And Ms Darold-Tchikaya's family described her as a 'calm and kind soul'. They said: 'There are no words to describe our despair and pain, we will miss our beautiful daughter until the end of time.' The coroner offered his condolences to the families who attended the inquest.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Essex students killed after drink-driver lost control doing 90mph in 30mph zone
'Promising' basketball players Makyle Bayley, 22, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daijang Wol, 22, were all drunk in the car with Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, who had not drunk alcohol during the night out in Essex Four students died when a car crashed into a building after the driver lost control while over the drink-drive limit, a coroner's court has heard. Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22, died at the scene of the crash in Magdalen Street, Colchester, shortly before 4.40am on February 1. All four were students at the University of Essex and were born in London. Essex Coroner's Court heard on Friday that Mr Bayley was driving the Ford Focus, and had a blood alcohol level of about 2.5 times the drink drive limit, according to toxicology results. Analysis of footage from a CCTV camera 170 metres away from where the car crashed showed the car was travelling at about 94mph in a 30mph zone, the court heard, the court heard. Essex's senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said the medical cause of death for Mr Bayley and Miss Darold-Tchikaya was severe traumatic head injuries, and for Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert it was multiple injuries. Mr Brookes concluded all four died as a result of a road traffic collision. Mr Brookes said they were students at the University of Essex and three of them were promising basketball players, "all of them with a lot of potential and dreams for the future". They met up for an "ordinary night out as students" and people were talking afterwards, then all four got in a black Ford Focus ST. He said: "It was driven by Makyle Bayley, I'm quite satisfied that three of them were under the influence of alcohol, Makyle Bayley over 2.5 times the limit for drink driving in this country, and for what it's worth, his two male friends were also in drink but of course they weren't driving. I note that Eva it seems had not been drinking at all." Mr Brookes added the vehicle was seen at "great speed" and said he does not know why. About 180 metres from the final resting point, his speed was about 94mph, give or take about 6mph, the car had its headlights on and they had their seat belts on, the coroner said. He added it was the speed and intoxication that were the main drivers in understanding the crash. The vehicle's off-side wheel hit a small island and it went across the opposite carriageway, over the footpath, hitting steps outside a property, which sent the car turning and collided roof-first on its side into a building, ending up either wholly or partially inside the building, Mr Brookes said. "There was no possibility of these individuals ever being saved," he said. The coroner gave his conclusion then told the court what would be on the records, and in terms of Mr Bayley, said he "died of severe traumatic head injuries when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a building". He added: "He had lost control of his vehicle due to grossly excessive speed, approximately 94mph in a 30mph zone, and alcohol intoxication. The three other passengers also died." The coroner offered his condolences to the families who attended the inquest.
Glasgow Times
18-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Four students killed in crash after driver lost control at about 94mph
Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22, died at the scene of the crash in Magdalen Street, Colchester, shortly before 4.40am on February 1. All four were students at the University of Essex and were born in London. Daljang 'DJ' Wol (Essex Police/PA) Essex Coroner's Court heard on Friday that Mr Bayley was driving the Ford Focus, and had a blood alcohol level of about 2.5 times the drink drive limit, according to toxicology results. Analysis of footage from a CCTV camera 170 metres away from where the car crashed showed the car was travelling at about 94mph, give or take 6.3mph, the court heard. Essex's senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said the medical cause of death for Mr Bayley and Miss Darold-Tchikaya was severe traumatic head injuries, and for Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert it was multiple injuries. Mr Brookes concluded all four died as a result of a road traffic collision. Mr Brookes said they were students at the University of Essex and three of them were promising basketball players, 'all of them with a lot of potential and dreams for the future'. They met up for an 'ordinary night out as students' and people were talking afterwards, then all four got in a black Ford Focus ST. He said: 'It was driven by Makyle Bayley, I'm quite satisfied that three of them were under the influence of alcohol, Makyle Bayley over 2.5 times the limit for drink driving in this country, and for what it's worth, his two male friends were also in drink but of course they weren't driving. I note that Eva it seems had not been drinking at all.' Mr Brookes added the vehicle was seen at 'great speed' and said he does not know why. About 180 metres from the final resting point, his speed was about 94mph, give or take about 6mph, the car had its headlights on and they had their seat belts on, the coroner said. He added it was the speed and intoxication that were the main drivers in understanding the crash. Anthony Junior Hibbert (University of Essex/PA) The vehicle's off-side wheel hit a small island and it went across the opposite carriageway, over the footpath, hitting steps outside a property, which sent the car turning and collided roof-first on its side into a building, ending up either wholly or partially inside the building, Mr Brookes said. 'There was no possibility of these individuals ever being saved,' he said. The coroner gave his conclusion then told the court what would be on the records, and in terms of Mr Bayley, said he 'died of severe traumatic head injuries when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a building'. He added: 'He had lost control of his vehicle due to grossly excessive speed, approximately 94mph in a 30mph zone, and alcohol intoxication. 'The three other passengers also died.' Pen portraits of Mr Bayley, Ms Darold-Tchikaya, Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol, written by their families, were read to the court by the coroner. Mr Bayley's family described him as a 'truly remarkable young man whose light and energy touched all who knew him'. Their statement added: 'You were the best of all of us, you will never be forgotten.' Mr Wol's family said he was 'always encouraging those around him to strive for the best', and added: 'We wish to convey to the inquest that Daljang was a valued member of not just his family but his community.' Mr Hibbert's family said: 'It's difficult to summarise 24 years of memories, love, joy and happiness in one sitting, but what we can take away from today is that TJ has played an important role in our lives. He knew how to live life to the fullest.' They added: 'The void that he has left can never be filled and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.' And Ms Darold-Tchikaya's family described her as a 'calm and kind soul'. They said: 'There are no words to describe our despair and pain, we will miss our beautiful daughter until the end of time.' The coroner offered his condolences to the families who attended the inquest.
