Study links biodiversity loss as key driver of infectious disease outbreaks

Researchers reveal that alongside reducing emissions and curbing the spread of invasive species, preserving biodiversity emerges as a crucial strategy to mitigate the burgeoning threat of diseases.

The study, published in the journal Nature, delved into the intricate relationship between environmental shifts and disease proliferation. Lead researcher Prof. Jason Rohr from the University of Notre Dame in the US, emphasized the gravity of the findings, stating, “Biodiversity loss, climate change, and introduced species increase disease, whereas urbanization decreases it.”

Analyzing nearly 1,000 studies spanning various ecosystems across the globe, the team identified biodiversity loss as the predominant factor amplifying the risk of infectious diseases. This revelation comes amidst a surge in new infectious diseases originating from wildlife, with biodiversity loss outranking climate change and the influx of non-native species in its impact on disease spread.

The study highlights a noteworthy trend: while biodiversity loss, climate change, chemical pollution, and non-native species exacerbate disease transmission, urbanization acts as a mitigating force. Urban areas, characterized by reduced wildlife and enhanced sanitation infrastructure, exhibit lower disease prevalence.

The heightened interest in zoonotic diseases, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic believed to have zoonotic origins, underscores the urgency of understanding the nexus between environmental changes and disease emergence. With three-quarters of emerging diseases in humans having zoonotic roots, the imperative for proactive measures to safeguard biodiversity and curb disease transmission becomes apparent.

Drawing attention to the interconnectedness of environmental drivers, researchers emphasize the need for holistic approaches. They advocate for concerted efforts aimed at reducing emissions, preserving biodiversity, and thwarting invasive species to alleviate the burden of infectious diseases.

“We hope that our analyses will facilitate disease control, mitigation, and surveillance efforts globally,” remarked the researchers, signaling the imperative for collaborative action to safeguard both ecological integrity and human health.