Biodiversity and Climate Crises ‘Increase the Risks of Future Pandemics’: Study | Common Dreams
Biodiversity and Climate Crises 'Increase the Risks of Future Pandemics': Study Common Dreams
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Biodiversity Loss and Environmental Change Increase Risk of Infectious Disease
Biodiversity loss, the introduction of invasive species, the climate emergency, and chemical pollution all increase the risk of infectious disease, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis published in Nature.
Study Overview
The study reviewed 972 studies and 2,938 observations on how human-driven environmental change had impacted the spread of disease. It specifically focused on 1,497 host-parasite relationships.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This study emphasizes the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to prevent future pandemics and promote a greener, healthier future.
Findings
The researchers identified four major drivers of change: biodiversity loss, the introduction of new species, the climate crisis, and habitat loss or alteration. They found that:
- Human-driven biodiversity loss increased illness and death by almost nine times compared to areas with intact biodiversity.
- The introduction of new species, global heating, increased carbon dioxide levels, and chemical pollution also contributed to increased disease risk.
Interactions between Environmental Alterations
The study highlights the complex interactions between different environmental alterations. For example, the rise of Lyme disease has been linked to both the expansion of tick ranges due to warming temperatures and the proliferation of white-footed mice as hosts.
Urban Areas and Disease
The study also found that habitat loss in urban areas decreased disease. This is attributed to better public health measures and reduced opportunities for humans and animals to mix and exchange germs in urban environments.
Recommendations
The researchers recommend the following actions to reduce the burden of infectious diseases:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Managing ecosystem health
- Preventing biological invasions
- Promoting biodiversity loss prevention
- Improving social and economic determinants of health
Conclusion
This study highlights the urgent need to address environmental changes and biodiversity loss to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases. It emphasizes the importance of aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a sustainable and healthier future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
- Indicator for SDG 14.2: Proportion of total water resources used.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | Proportion of total water resources used. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: commondreams.org
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