Promoting biodiversity conservation for climate and health
Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems sustain the intricate web of life on earth and are essential to our survival. Yet, they are being degraded by anthropogenic activity, population pressures and other drivers at unprecedented rates. These pressures pose potential risks to the health, livelihoods, and well-being of billions of people.
Healthy communities rely on well-functioning ecosystems for clean air, fresh water, medicines, food, and shelter. Healthy ecosystems also regulate disease, stabilize the climate and support a range of non-material benefits such as mental health and cultural identity. The State of knowledge review, jointly led by WHO and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), shows that biodiversity loss can have significant direct health impacts. Indirectly, it can also affect livelihoods, income, migration and exacerbate political conflict.
Biodiversity loss and rising global health burdens are multifaceted and complex challenges that transcend sectoral, disciplinary and cultural boundaries. They demand bold, coherent and collaborative solutions through integrated approaches such as One Health. To address these challenges, WHO has established a new expert working group on Biodiversity, Climate Change, One Health and Nature-based Solutions to consolidate knowledge and support implementation, in line with the aims of the WHO manifesto for a healthy and green recovery from COVID-19.
