Understanding the links between human health, animals and ecosystems is needed to create a world where people, animals and the environment thrive together, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable planet for future generations, experts say.
Doreen Robinson, Head of Biodiversity and Land at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), says One Health Day, celebrated globally on November 3, is a “unique opportunity to catalyze action, advance cross-sectoral cooperation and prioritization of prevention to avoid degradation and risks.’
Regarding ongoing efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution and waste, she says: “At this critical juncture, we need to fundamentally rethink how environmental dimensions shape health risks and outcomes, valuing knowledge of the local population and we recognize that there is no healthy life on a sick planet.
Here’s a closer look at the One Health approach and why it’s considered so promising.
What is One Health?
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize human, animal and ecosystem health. It recognizes that the health of our planet, its inhabitants and the ecosystems that support life are interconnected.
An example that illustrates the interrelationships that the One Health approach addresses is emerging infectious diseases, with the COVID-19 pandemic being a key recent example. Approximately 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, both wild and domestic. Over the past three decades, more than 30 new human pathogens have emerged, with an astonishing 75 percent originating from animals. As humans interfere with ecosystems, these diseases have more opportunities to develop and spread.
What impact does the environment have on human and animal health?
From the air people breathe to the water they drink, from the animals people interact with to the ecosystems they depend on, nature provides the foundation for healthy living. From forests to oceans, these ecosystems are home to countless species, many of which are essential for pollination, water purification, and other vital processes.
The health impacts of unbalanced ecosystems are dire, experts say. For example, pollution is responsible for 22 percent of human deaths from cardiovascular disease, 53 percent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease deaths, and 40 percent of lung cancer deaths. About 99 percent of the world breathes air that is below World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Pollution of water and soil with plastic, heavy metals and pesticides contributes to the development of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
Non-communicable diseases are further aggravated by the climate crisis, increasing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to increasing extreme heat and forest fire episodes. Malnutrition and premature death associated with extreme weather events are also a growing concern.
What are some other effects of nature loss?
Disruptions to ecosystems can lead to disease outbreaks, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods. Plastic and soil pollution compromises food safety, and contamination of animal or plant foods is a growing risk. Intensive agricultural production systems have negative impacts on both biodiversity and farm animal welfare, as well as human health.
How can the One Health approach be applied more widely?
UNEP and its partners in the Quadripartite Alliance for One Health (WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization and World Organization for Animal Health) joined forces to call for collaboration between scientists, health professionals, environmentalists, civil society and policymakers. They must work together to develop strategies that protect our environment, preserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems and prevent the spread and risk of disease. Initiatives such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture and responsible antibiotic use are critical components.
Individuals can also play a vital role. Reducing carbon footprints, supporting wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable practices are just a few things that can help, experts say.
