The Rising Risk of Snakebites in a Warming World
As the world warms, the risk of snakebites is increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes every year, and half of them develop envenoming.
In Bangkok, Thailand, the Ramathibodi Poison Center receives around 1,500 snakebite-related calls per year, with more than half of them being about venomous species such as the king cobra, the Malayan krait, and the pit viper.
The poison center is one of two in Thailand and works closely with the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which produces antivenoms to treat snakebite victims.
The Impact of Global Warming on Snake Populations
Global warming is altering the habitats of snakes and increasing the likelihood of encounters between humans and snakes. In rural areas, people are more likely to encounter snakes in their environment, especially during the rainy season, when snakes are forced out of their natural habitats.
Additionally, global warming is leading to changes in snake migration patterns, with some species moving to higher elevations to escape the heat.
The Importance of Education and Prevention
Education and prevention are crucial in reducing the risk of snakebites. The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute offers daily snake-handling demonstrations to the public, aiming to promote snake conservation and reduce the risk of snakebites.
Furthermore, the institute works closely with the Ramathibodi Poison Center to develop effective and accessible antivenoms to treat snakebite victims.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges in combating the risk of snakebites is the lack of effective and accessible antivenoms. Antivenom production is a complex and expensive process, and many countries do not have the resources to produce high-quality antivenoms.
However, Thailand is an example of how investing in antivenoms can be effective. The country has a stable production line of antivenoms for the most common snake species, and the antivenoms are distributed to hospitals across the country.
In conclusion, global warming is increasing the risk of snakebites, and it is essential that we take measures to prevent and treat these bites. Education, prevention, and investment in effective antivenoms are crucial in reducing the risk of snakebites and saving lives.
References
This article was originally published by Grist with the title As the world warms, the risk of snakebites is rising on June 23, 2026.