Name: How to design mosquitoes out of cities
Uploaded: 2022-03-11T16:11:03Z
Duration: 15 min 34 s
Description: As cities adopt greener, more sustainable designs, there's risk of a dangerous and unwelcome tenant moving in: mosquitoes. Researcher Cameron Webb explains what urban planners and the general public need to understand about mosquitoes -- the deadliest animals on the planet -- in order to avoid future outbreaks of disease carried by these pesky insects.

Cameron Webb: How to design mosquitoes out of cities

How to design mosquitoes out of cities

As cities adopt greener, more sustainable designs, there's risk of a dangerous and unwelcome tenant moving in: mosquitoes. Researcher Cameron Webb explains what urban planners and the general public need to understand about mosquitoes -- the deadliest animals on the planet -- in order to avoid future outbreaks of disease carried by these pesky insects.

Making cities greener and more livable can unintentionally create perfect conditions for mosquitoes, the deadliest animals on earth. As climate change pushes us to plant more trees and conserve water, features like rainwater tanks and wetlands can become mosquito breeding grounds. Each year, half a million people die from mosquito-borne diseases, while millions more endure illness and nuisance bites. Designing and maintaining healthy urban ecosystems is crucial to avoid new outbreaks and keep public spaces enjoyable.