Biodiversity Loss as the Biggest Environmental Driver of Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Biodiversity loss has been found to be the biggest environmental driver of infectious disease outbreaks, making them higher risk and more widespread, a new study has found.
Introduction
Often originating in wildlife, the rise in infectious diseases has been found to have ‘significant’ correlation to socioeconomic, environmental and ecological factors.
Research Findings
In a new meta-analysis, published in the journal Nature, researchers identified biodiversity loss as the greatest contributor to the rising risk of outbreaks – followed by climate change and the introduction of non-native species.
Global Change Drivers
The study focused on five ‘global change drivers’:
- Biodiversity loss
- Climate change
- Chemical pollution
- Non-native species
- Habitat loss
Researchers found that all except habitat loss increases disease spread – results remained the same across human and non-human diseases.
Impact of Urbanization
It was found that urbanization also decreased the spread, with lead researcher, Professor Jason Rohr from the University of Notre Dame in the US, saying: “In urban areas with lots of concrete, there is a much smaller number of species that can thrive in that environment. From a human disease perspective, there is often greater sanitation and health infrastructure than in rural environments.”
Sustainable Development Goals
The team adds that by reducing emissions and biodiversity loss, as well as preventing invasive species, could help in lowering the impact of diseases.
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
The article discusses the connection between biodiversity loss and the increased risk and spread of infectious diseases. This relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions climate change and the introduction of non-native species as contributors to the rising risk of outbreaks, which aligns with SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). The impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystems and habitats also connects to SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
The article highlights the need to address infectious diseases as a result of biodiversity loss. Target 3.3 focuses on combating communicable diseases, including those caused by environmental factors. Target 13.1 emphasizes the importance of building resilience to climate-related hazards, which can contribute to the spread of diseases. Target 15.1 calls for the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems, including terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators related to the identified targets. However, to measure progress towards Target 3.3, the number of new HIV infections per population can be used as an indicator. For Target 13.1, the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters can be measured. Indicator 15.1.1, which measures forest area as a proportion of total land area, can be used to assess progress towards Target 15.1.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | N/A | N/A |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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Fuente: prolandscapermagazine.com
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