A new study has identified biodiversity loss as the primary driver of infectious disease outbreaks, leading to more dangerous and widespread diseases. Researchers have found that the rise in new infectious diseases, often originating in wildlife, is directly linked to the loss of species.
The study, which analyzed nearly 1,000 studies, revealed that four out of five global change drivers – including biodiversity loss, climate change, chemical pollution, and introduction of non-native species – are contributing to the increased spread of diseases. Climate change and the introduction of non-native species have also been linked to the rising risk of infectious diseases.
However, the researchers also found that habitat change, particularly the movement towards urban areas, can actually reduce the risk of disease. This is due to better public sanitation and the presence of fewer wildlife species in urban environments.
The findings come at a time when interest in zoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans, has surged following the Covid-19 pandemic. Diseases like avian flu and swine flu have also been traced back to wildlife, highlighting the importance of understanding the links between environmental change and disease outbreaks.
Researchers suggest that measures such as reducing emissions, preventing biodiversity loss, and controlling invasive species could help lessen the burden of infectious diseases on a global scale. By addressing these environmental drivers, we may be able to mitigate the risks posed by future disease outbreaks.
