About Us
Understanding the links between climate change and waterborne pathogens to prevent future pandemics
BlueAdapt is a pan-European research project. We are investigating the impacts of climate change on risks to human health posed by pathogens and antimicrobial drug resistant bacteria in coastal waters.
Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause diseases. We will uncover how pathogens are changing across different climates and aquatic environments like rivers, estuaries, coastlines and the open sea. Findings will improve awareness of different health risks and improve the impact of policy initiatives to help Europe adapt.
How is Europe at risk?
Europe has more than 20,000 bathing water sites, and more than 50% of Europe’s population live within 50 km of the sea and 2.5 km of fresh water. With rising temperatures more people are spending time in these aquatic environments. Rising temperatures and pollution are enabling pathogens to multiply or persist for longer in the water cycle, and evidence shows that sea bathers are at risk of infection from viruses and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
BlueAdapt is part of the European climate change and health cluster and has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101057764 and by the UKRI/HM Government.
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BlueAdapt is one of six research and innovation projects that make up Horizon Europe’s Climate Change and Health Cluster. The cluster aims to maximise efforts and impact by:
- Harmonise approaches
- Strengthen science for policy
- Promote synergies
- Avoid overlaps
- Streamline information flows
- Boost communication and dissemination
