Dwindling biodiversity might make you sick.

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Introduction

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the intricate connections between environmental degradation and disease outbreaks. Scientists have pointed to urbanization, habitat loss, and the trade in live animals as potential contributors to the pandemic. However, a comprehensive new analysis reveals that loss of biodiversity, global warming, and the spread of non-native species are the primary environmental factors exacerbating infectious diseases.

Key Findings

Major Environmental Factors

According to a study led by Jason Rohr, an infectious disease ecologist at Notre Dame University, the most significant environmental factors influencing infectious diseases include:

• Loss of Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Spread of Invasive Species

Impact of Biodiversity Loss

The study found that biodiversity loss is associated with a 65% greater increase in disease than invasive species and a 111% greater increase than climate change. The mechanism behind this is that loss of biodiversity can shift the abundance of disease-carrying species. For example, abundant white-footed mice are known carriers of Lyme disease.

Climate Change Effects

Climate change has widespread effects across various settings, making its impact on disease consistent and widespread. This suggests that efforts to mitigate climate change could have broad benefits in controlling infectious diseases.

Urbanization and Disease Reduction

Interestingly, urbanization was found to be associated with a decrease in infectious diseases. This may be due to improved infrastructure such as water and sewage management in urban areas.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implications

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental factors to improve global health outcomes. Efforts to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change are crucial for reducing the incidence of infectious diseases.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The study highlights the need for urgent climate action to mitigate the widespread effects of climate change on health. Policymakers are urged to incorporate these findings into international policies and frameworks.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Protecting terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss are essential strategies for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Conservation efforts should be prioritized to maintain ecological balance and reduce disease risks.

Policy Recommendations

1. Integrate findings into international policy frameworks such as the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
2. Focus on preserving biodiversity and combating climate change as primary strategies for disease control.
3. Enhance urban infrastructure to further reduce the risk of infectious diseases in densely populated areas.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insights into how environmental changes drive the spread of infectious diseases. By aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, policymakers and scientists can better target their initiatives to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

Reference: Mahon, et al. “A meta-analysis on global change drivers and the risk of infectious disease.” Nature. May 8, 2024.

Image: Sekernas/iStock.com

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Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

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 15: Life on Land
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 1: No Poverty

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Target 3.3: End epidemics of communicable diseases
  • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of health risks
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards
• SDG 15: Life on Land
  • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats
  • Target 15.8: Introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services
• SDG 1: No Poverty
  • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations
  • Indicator 3.d.1: International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
• SDG 15: Life on Land
  • Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
  • Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
• SDG 1: No Poverty
  • Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators