Biodiversity, Physical Health and Climate Change: A Synthesis of Recent Evidence

Abstract

We are at a point in history marked by unprecedented changes in the environmental foundations of human health and well-being. At the same time, the demands from human populations have never been greater, with profound differences in how we engage with the natural environment. By the middle of this century, when climate change impacts are further increasing, the United Nations expects the global population to be approaching 10 billion. In this chapter, we provide a synthesis of published evidence of the complex and important relationships between elements of biodiversity, health and climate change. We draw primarily on reviews conducted in the past five years supplemented with evidence on additional themes. We also develop a detailed case study example focused on urban climate, climate change and biodiversity, taken from the perspective of a large and representative conurbation. The case study uses a body of existing published evidence together with new data and insights to demonstrate important pathways, impacts and outcomes. We end by identifying a set of research questions and stress the need for even more extensive multidisciplinary and multi-sector approaches. Nevertheless, despite the need for more knowledge, it is already clear that more effective action could, and should, be taken.

Vertebrate species knowledge: an important skill is threatened by extinction

“…There are also other strong motives to teach species knowledge for the personal wellbeing, as sound ecosystems have a positive effect on the physical health of humans (Lindley et al, 2019). Since Louv (2008) coined the term 'nature deficit disorder', many surveys have shown positive correlations between biodiversity and mental health (Cox & Gaston, 2015;Keniger et al, 2013;Marselle et al, 2019).…”

Health impact of the Anthropocene: the complex relationship between gut microbiota, epigenetics, and human health, using obesity as an example

“…Biodiversity loss is directly impacting the microbiota diversity of humans, soil and other species, which are interrelated [3]. Decreased diversity of the human gut microbiota during the development phase and during later life course can have several impacts on health outcomes [4,5]. One of the pathways of interaction between the human gut microbiota and health outcomes is through epigenetics.…”

A Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Climate Change Adaptation for Human Health and Well-Being in Africa

“…Therefore, to adapt against health impacts of climate change, variability or disasters, it is critical to take a broad approach that includes other sectors. For example, the close dependency of people in Africa on rainfed agriculture, and the surrounding human-animal ecosystems, forms a context where integrated approaches such as One Health or the Planetary Health framework explicitly consider the ecological, economic and social foundations of health, including indigenous and local knowledge [ 42 , 43 ].…”