Can climate change really create zombie fungi, like in "The Last of Us"?

Yahoo! News - Apr 12th, 2025

The hit HBO series "The Last of Us" returns for Season 2, reigniting interest in the terrifying concept of a fungal pandemic that turns humans into zombies. While the series portrays a fictional scenario where cordyceps fungi infect humans, real-world scientists are studying the potential threats posed by fungal evolution and climate change. Experts like Dr. Jim Kronstad from the University of British Columbia explain that, currently, human body temperature and immunity prevent most fungi, like cordyceps, from adapting to infect humans. However, the show introduces a more realistic spread of infection through airborne spores, echoing real concerns about fungal infections in warming climates.

Climate change is increasingly linked to the spread of certain fungal infections, as seen with Valley fever caused by the Coccidioides fungus. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts have contributed to the spread of this fungus into new areas, posing increased health risks. Additionally, plant-pathogenic fungi threaten agriculture and global food security as climate conditions shift. Despite their portrayal in "The Last of Us," fungi have beneficial roles in ecosystems, but scientists remain vigilant about the potential for climate change to make some fungi more adaptable and harmful, highlighting the importance of monitoring these environmental changes.

Climate Change Hbo The Last Of Us Fungal Infections Dr. Jim Kronstad Cordyceps Valley Fever Coccidioides Fungus

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively bridges the gap between fiction and reality by exploring the scientific basis behind the premise of 'The Last of Us.' It accurately presents expert opinions and real-world examples of how climate change could influence fungal adaptation. The article is timely and engages readers by linking a popular TV series to important public health issues. However, it could improve in source transparency by providing more direct citations to scientific studies. Overall, the article is informative and well-structured, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience while maintaining a balanced perspective.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the scientific basis for the fictional premise of 'The Last of Us.' It correctly states that the Cordyceps fungus, known for infecting insects, cannot infect humans due to our body temperature and immune defenses. This is supported by expert opinions, such as Dr. Jim Kronstad's explanation. The article also accurately discusses how climate change can influence fungal adaptation, citing the real-world example of Valley fever. However, it could benefit from more detailed citations of the studies mentioned.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by discussing both the fictional and scientific aspects of the fungal pandemic concept. It includes expert opinions that refute the possibility of Cordyceps infecting humans while acknowledging the real threats posed by climate change to fungal adaptation. However, it could include more perspectives from other scientists to provide a broader view of the ongoing research in this field.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly explains the complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to a general audience. It maintains a neutral tone and logically flows from discussing the fictional elements of the show to the real-world implications of fungal adaptation. However, some sections could be more concise to enhance readability.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including expert opinions from Dr. Jim Kronstad, a microbiologist. However, it lacks direct citations from scientific studies or journals, which would enhance the reliability of the claims. Including a wider range of sources, such as additional scientific experts or studies, would improve the article's authority.

Transparency

While the article provides clear explanations of the concepts discussed, it lacks transparency in terms of the specific studies or data backing the claims. The mention of 'thoughtful and careful studies' without direct references limits the reader's ability to verify the information. Greater transparency in sourcing would improve the article's credibility.