Ebola, SARS, Zika, HIV/AIDS, West Nile fever and now COVID-19. These are some of the highest-profile diseases to emerge in the last several decades. And while they emerged in different parts of the world, they have one thing in common. They are what scientists call “zoonotic diseases,” infections that jump between animals and humans, some of which leave illness and death in their wake.

Zoonotic diseases have plagued societies since Neolithic times. As the world's population edges towards 8 billion, rampant development, exploitation and destruction of nature is putting humans and animals in increasingly close quarters, making it easier for diseases to spread. 

Pollution is also deadly. Each year nine million people die prematurely because of pollution so improving how we manage our waste is critical as it poses serious health and economic implications.

Our ability to reduce the risk of future pandemics and shield peoples’ health from preventable pollution-related diseases can be increased by halting habitat destruction and preserving and restoring functioning ecosystems. And prevention is far more affordable than funding the aftermath of a health crisis.

The One Health approach focuses holistically on the health of humans, animals and the environment to limit the causes and spread of pandemics. Policies and fiscal investment can reinforce the linkages between human well-being and the health of ecosystems, by placing a priority on protecting and restoring nature because when we protect nature, nature protects us.