Nature, biodiversity and health: an overview of interconnections

Overview

Urbanization, land use, global trade and industrialization have led to profound and negative impacts on nature, biodiversity and ecosystems across the world. The ongoing depletion of natural resources not only affects environmental conditions but also has an enormous impact on the well-being and security of societies. This report provides an overview of the impacts of the natural environment on human health. It presents the ways nature and ecosystems can support and protect health and well-being, and describes how nature degradation and loss of biodiversity can threaten human health. It is targeted at readers who do not have extensive experience with the links between nature and health. While the overview report aims primarily to inform professionals and decision-makers in the health and environment sectors, it will also be of relevance for other sectors involved with the protection, management and use of nature and biodiversity.