Understanding the connections between human health, animals and ecosystems is needed to create a world where humans, animals and the environment thrive together, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come, say experts.
Doreen Robinson, the Head of Biodiversity and Land at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), says that One Health Day, observed globally on 3 November, is “a unique opportunity to galvanize action, advance cross-sectoral collaboration and prioritize prevention to avoid degradation and risks.”
Regarding ongoing efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, she says, “In this critical moment, we must fundamentally rethink how environmental dimensions shape health risks and outcomes, appreciating Indigenous knowledge and recognizing that there is no healthy life on a sick planet.”
Here is a closer look at the One Health approach and why it is considered so promising.
What is One Health?
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of our planet, its inhabitants and the ecosystems that support life are interconnected.
An example that illustrates the interconnections that are tackled by the One Health approach is emerging infectious diseases, with the COVID-19 pandemic being a key recent example. Approximately 60 per cent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, both wild and domestic. Over the last three decades, more than 30 new human pathogens have emerged, with a staggering 75 per cent originating from animals. As humans tamper with ecosystems, these diseases have more opportunities to evolve and spread.
What impact does the environment have on human and animal health?
From the air humans breathe to the water they drink, from the animals people interact with, to the ecosystems they depend on, nature provides the foundation for healthy lives. From forests to oceans, these ecosystems are home to countless species, many of which are essential to pollination, water purification and other vital processes.
The health impacts from unbalanced ecosystems are dire, say experts. For example, pollution accounts for 22 per cent of human deaths from cardiovascular disease, 53 per cent of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 40 per cent of deaths from lung cancer. Some 99 per cent of the world breathes air that falls below World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Water and soil contamination with plastic, heavy metals, and pesticides contribute to the development of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases.
Non-communicable diseases are further exacerbated by the climate crisis, amplifying cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to increasing extreme heat and wildfire episodes. Malnutrition and premature death related to extreme weather events are also a growing concern.
What are some other effects of the loss of nature?
Disruptions in ecosystems can result in disease outbreaks, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods. Both plastic and soil pollution compromise food safety and the contamination of animal or plant-based food is an increasing risk. Intensive agricultural production systems have negative impacts on both biodiversity and farm animal wellbeing, as well as on human health.
How can the One Health approach be implemented more widely?
UNEP and its partners in the Quadripartite Alliance for One Health (the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health) have joined forces to call for collaboration among scientists, healthcare professionals, environmentalists, civil society and policymakers. They need to work together to develop strategies that protect our environment, conserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems and prevent the spread and risk of diseases. Initiatives like reforestation, sustainable agriculture and the responsible use of antibiotics are all 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, say experts.
