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These cities have big rat problems, and there’s one thing to blame

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A new study finds that rat populations are booming in major cities worldwide, with climate change playing a key role
Warmer temperatures allow rats to forage and reproduce more effectively, leading to increased infestations
Cities like Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Toronto have seen the largest rat surges

🔭 The context: Researchers analyzed rat data from 16 cities over 12 years and found that 11 showed significant growth in rodent populations
High population density, reduced urban vegetation, and rising temperatures were identified as key factors
Some cities, like New Orleans and Tokyo, saw declines due to proactive pest control strategies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Expanding rat populations pose threats to public health, infrastructure, and city sanitation
Rats spread over 50 pathogens, cause billions in damages, and contribute to mental health stress for residents
Climate change is expected to worsen infestations as urban temperatures continue to rise

⏭️ What's next: Experts recommend shifting from lethal rat control to preventive measures such as reducing food waste and improving waste management
Some cities are experimenting with rat birth control, though results remain inconclusive
Authorities warn that without intervention, the problem will escalate as global temperatures increase

💬 One quote: “If you don’t have a handle on this, it’s only going to get worse. You don’t want to be like Sisyphus pushing that boulder up a hill.” – Jonathan Richardson, biology professor at the University of Richmond

📈 One stat: Rats cause an estimated $27 billion in damages annually in the U.S. alone

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

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