The Science Behind ‘The Last of Us’: Fungi and Climate Change
As fans eagerly await the return of HBO’s “The Last of Us” on April 13, the show invites viewers to question the intersection of fiction and reality regarding fungal pandemics.
Understanding the Fungal Threat
The concept of a fungal pathogen capable of turning humans into zombie-like creatures captures the imagination. In “The Last of Us,” the fictional cordyceps fungus evolves due to environmental changes, posing a threat to humans. However, according to experts, the real-life cordyceps, specifically Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, predominantly infects insects, leading to their demise.
Dr. Jim Kronstad, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, clarifies that this type of fungi cannot adapt to infect humans. “Our body temperature and immune responses make it difficult for most fungal species to survive past 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit,” he explains.
Fungal Adaptation in a Warming World
The show opens with an epidemiologist theorizing that climate change could accelerate the rise of harmful fungi. Current research supports these concerns; warmer temperatures may enable fungi to survive in conditions previously unsuitable for them.
- One example is Valley fever, caused by the Coccidioides fungus. This pathogen flourishes in arid climates, particularly in the southwestern United States.
- As soil conditions change due to climate fluctuations, the risk of inhaling spore-laden dust increases, placing more individuals at risk for this flu-like illness.
- Data indicate a significant rise in Valley fever cases, particularly in California, driven by climate-induced shifts in temperature and aridity.
Impacts on Agriculture
Fungi also pose considerable threats to global food security. Plant-pathogenic fungi, driven by climate change, could spread to new agricultural areas, jeopardizing crops and increasing food scarcity.
“Fungi are among the most devastating causes of crop loss, and climate change could exacerbate this issue,” Dr. Kronstad warns.
The Positive Role of Fungi
Despite their menacing portrayal in fiction, fungi play essential roles in the environment. They are crucial for decomposing organic matter and carbon sequestration. Dr. Kronstad notes their invaluable contributions in pharmaceuticals and food production, showcasing their dual nature.