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

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🗞️ 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

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