ONE HEALTH: HOW OUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON NATURE
Becoming sedentary marks a turning point in humanity’s relationship with nature: we are increasingly distancing ourselves from nature and causing ever greater changes to Earth’s systems – through pollution, CO₂ emissions and damage to habitats. This has serious consequences for ecosystems, the climate and our health. Our health depends directly on a healthy environment: if we want to stay healthy, animals, plants, ecosystems and the climate must be healthy too (‘One Health’).
The diagram illustrates the complex links of humanity’s decoupling from nature driving climate change. On the left, causes include land use change, pollution, and rising greenhouse gases. The center shows affected Earth systems with extreme weather events such as storms, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and biodiversity loss. On the right, consequences for nature, supply security, health, and society are depicted, including damaged infrastructure, diseases, migration, economic losses, and mental health issues. A red arrow at the bottom symbolizes declining quality of life and resources leading to loss of livelihoods.
WHO IS PARTICULARLY AFFECTED – AND WHY?
The extent to which our health and that of society is damaged by interference with nature depends on the extent of environmental destruction and a variety of social, health and political factors.
Health conditions, mental strength and existing impairments, as well as age, place of residence and the ability to adapt to changing conditions, influence how well someone can cope with a crisis. Access to reliable information and support services is not the same for everyone. Social inequalities – due to poverty, education, gender, origin, racism and colonialism – further exacerbate the effects. Political will is also crucial: early warning systems and government measures can protect – or leave gaps.
There is also the issue of how society deals with misinformation and conspiracy myths: who trusts which sources? Who is listened to – and who is not?
Cultural values, approach to risks, relationship with nature, social cohesion and inclusion ultimately shape how strongly communities act in solidarity – and how well they cope with crises.