According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the increasing emergence of deadly diseases such as SARS and avian influenza may be linked to environmental degradation.
Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health at WHO, stated: “Human health is closely linked to the ‘health’ of ecosystems, which meet many of our vital needs.” The report, contributed by over 1,300 experts worldwide, indicates that population growth and economic development have rapidly transformed ecosystems globally, impacting human health.
Natural resources such as water, food, fuel, and climate play a crucial role in preventing disease and maintaining good health, as many human diseases originate from animals. Diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, and measles have emerged in populations after pathogens “jump” from livestock including chickens, cattle, and dogs. The consequences of thoughtless human actions have led to a faster alteration of the structure of ecosystems globally in the latter half of the 20th century compared to other periods in history. Approximately 60% of the benefits provided by ecosystems that support life on Earth have been degraded and overexploited. The detrimental effects on human health have been observed and may worsen over the next 50 years.
WHO identifies regions facing the highest risk of ecosystem changes as including the semi-arid regions of the Sahara in Africa, Central Asia, many areas in Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Neira noted that for the poor, they may face issues related to food production, particularly due to droughts and floods. “The risk of natural disasters is increasing.” Other concerning issues, such as nutrition, arise as fish stocks decline while cultivated land shrinks, contributing to the malnutrition of approximately 800 million people worldwide, nearly all of whom live in developing countries. Each year, waterborne infectious diseases claim 3.2 million lives, accounting for about 6% of total deaths. Currently, over 1 billion people lack access to clean water, and 2.6 billion people live in unsanitary conditions.
