New study links global warming to rising antibiotic resistance in soils

A groundbreaking international study, involving researchers from Durham University, has revealed that climate change is accelerating the development and spread of antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria — posing a growing threat to global public health.

Published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the study demonstrates that rising global temperatures are significantly increasing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors in soil microbial communities. These genes can render bacteria less vulnerable to antibiotics, raising the risk of drug-resistant infections, including those from dangerous pathogens.

Integrating field data, advanced metagenomics, and laboratory experiments, the research shows that warmer conditions enhance the survival and evolution of resistant bacteria — many of which originate in the environment but can impact humans and animals.

"This study exemplifies the deep connection between environmental change and human health," said Professor David W. Graham, co-author and water engineer at Durham University. “It reinforces the growing evidence that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s also accelerating the global antibiotic resistance crisis.”
The findings support the need for a "One Health" approach, which acknowledges the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health in tackling complex challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

Environmental origins, human impact

Most human infectious diseases originate in the environment. As global temperatures rise, soils — particularly in colder regions — are becoming more hospitable to harmful bacteria. Previously, cold conditions helped suppress these microbes. Now, warming is enabling not only their survival but also evolutionary changes, potentially leading to the emergence of new, untreatable pathogens.

Professor Graham explained: “As resistance increases in soils, it’s almost certain this will lead to more untreatable infections in both medical and veterinary settings. That’s why coordinated, One Health solutions are essential.”

The study highlights that even small temperature increases can trigger substantial rises in ARG levels, especially in bacterial groups like Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, both known carriers of resistance and virulence genes.

Lab experiments using Escherichia coli confirmed that higher temperatures boost expression of ARGs, particularly those involved in bacterial defence mechanisms such as efflux pumps and stress response proteins.

Using machine learning models, the researchers projected that under high-emission climate scenarios, global soil ARG levels could increase by up to 23% by 2100.
A warning for the future

These findings echo concerns raised in the 2023 UN report Bracing for Superbugs, which predicted that climate change would accelerate antibiotic resistance. This new research provides clear, empirical evidence of that trend.