Biodiversity loss and human health are closely related, and we might not think about it every day. Here are some simple ways these two things connect:
Ecosystem Services: Healthy ecosystems give us important things like clean air, clean water, food, and help control diseases. When we lose different species, we lose these essential services. For example, if pollinators like bees go extinct, we could grow fewer crops, which would affect our food supply and nutrition.
Disease Emergence: Many diseases come from animals. When we destroy animal habitats and there are fewer animals, the ones that are left may carry germs that can make humans sick. A good example of this is the Ebola virus. It is believed to have spread from bats to humans due to loss of their natural homes. More contact with wildlife can raise the risk of diseases that can jump from animals to people.
Mental Health: Spending time in nature has great benefits for our mental well-being. Biodiversity helps us feel connected to our environment. When we lose different species, we may feel more disconnected, which can lead to more stress and anxiety. Activities like hiking or birdwatching aren’t as enjoyable if we see fewer species around.
Food Systems: Diverse ecosystems help create strong food systems. When we grow just one type of crop in large amounts, they are more at risk from pests and climate change. By keeping biodiversity, we support sustainable farming, which affects our health by giving us access to a variety of nutritious foods.
Climate Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems can better handle changes in the environment. Healthy forests, wetlands, and coral reefs protect us against climate problems like floods and heatwaves, which also affect our health.
In our world today, it's important to understand how biodiversity and human health work together. Taking care of our planet means taking care of ourselves.
Biodiversity loss and human health are closely related, and we might not think about it every day. Here are some simple ways these two things connect:
Ecosystem Services: Healthy ecosystems give us important things like clean air, clean water, food, and help control diseases. When we lose different species, we lose these essential services. For example, if pollinators like bees go extinct, we could grow fewer crops, which would affect our food supply and nutrition.
Disease Emergence: Many diseases come from animals. When we destroy animal habitats and there are fewer animals, the ones that are left may carry germs that can make humans sick. A good example of this is the Ebola virus. It is believed to have spread from bats to humans due to loss of their natural homes. More contact with wildlife can raise the risk of diseases that can jump from animals to people.
Mental Health: Spending time in nature has great benefits for our mental well-being. Biodiversity helps us feel connected to our environment. When we lose different species, we may feel more disconnected, which can lead to more stress and anxiety. Activities like hiking or birdwatching aren’t as enjoyable if we see fewer species around.
Food Systems: Diverse ecosystems help create strong food systems. When we grow just one type of crop in large amounts, they are more at risk from pests and climate change. By keeping biodiversity, we support sustainable farming, which affects our health by giving us access to a variety of nutritious foods.
Climate Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems can better handle changes in the environment. Healthy forests, wetlands, and coral reefs protect us against climate problems like floods and heatwaves, which also affect our health.
In our world today, it's important to understand how biodiversity and human health work together. Taking care of our planet means taking care of ourselves.