In a recent study published in The Medical Journal of Australia, researchers reviewed the importance of preserving Australia’s biodiversity for the well-being of human health.

Study: Why losing Australia’s biodiversity matters for human health: insights from the newest State of the Environment assessment. Image Credit: VectorMine/Shutterstock.com

Background

A study reporting the state of Australia’s environment (SOE) was released recently, considering the conditions of the past five years. The statement indicates that there’s continuous environmental degradation on a continental level.

The environmental warnings should not being fully considered regarding their impact on human health by policymakers and most of the people. The SOE report examines the connection between the environment and human health, acknowledging that the condition of the environment has a big impact on the health and wellness of Australians.

Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems for human well-being

Food

Biodiversity is crucial for ensuring food security and good nutrition. Pollinating insects and animals is crucial for maintaining a healthy food supply, as diverse species help promote a balanced food plan. Based on the SOE report, inexpensive and high-quality food is a big material profit that nature provides to humans.

Urbanization and climate change pose a growing threat to food supply and security. The condition of the Australian native vegetation and soils is declining, and climate-related events reminiscent of droughts, storms, heatwaves, and cyclones are having a greater impact on crop production.

Australians are being impacted by increasing food prices because of these issues, which have real-world implications.

Medicines

The biodiversity of animals, plants, and microbes provides precious medicinal compounds and materials for research. Over 50% of medicines in the marketplace are derived from bioactive compounds in non-human species.

Coral reefs possess the best biodiversity density worldwide. Intense competition amongst species results in the evolution of intricate defensive chemicals, a few of which possess pharmacological advantages. Various species, reminiscent of reef sponges, mollusks, tunicates, bryozoans, and others, are being studied for his or her potential use in analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic applications.

Based on the SOE report, drug discovery derived from wild species will remain crucial for healthcare, disease prevention, and wellness. Biodiversity loss is causing a decline in natural pharmacies. Lower than 10% of the biodiversity of reefs, reminiscent of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is currently experiencing rapid degradation.

Water

Victorian forests’ water purification activities save $33 million annually in metropolitan regions and $50 million annually in non-metropolitan regions. Native vegetation and forests aid water infiltration into soils, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Roughly 40% of forests have been lost since European arrival, and the remaining vegetation is fragmented. Logging noted within the forested water catchment in Melbourne causes a waste of 15,000 megalitres of water every yr, corresponding to the water consumption of 250,000 people.

Inland waters are in a poor and worsening state because of drought, invasive species, resource mismanagement, bushfires, and pollution. Water scarcity is anticipated to extend, affecting urban water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.

Infectious diseases

Preserving natural ecosystems like forests and wilderness regions is crucial in stopping the event and transmission of infectious diseases. Emerging infectious diseases have develop into more quite a few and diverse over time.

Changes in land utilization from agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, and climate change have been linked to such diseases. The SOE report states that pandemics are brought on by human activities that disturb the natural relationships between species and their associated microbes.

Based on a 25-year study, the chance of Hendra virus spillover in Australia has increased because of changes in bat behavior brought on by habitat destruction and climate change. Ross River virus, Lyssavirus, and Japanese encephalitis virus are among the many spillover events in Australia.

Psychological health and well-being

Quite a few studies have demonstrated a powerful correlation between spending time in nature and experiencing positive effects on mental well-being. The advantages observed include improved happiness and self-esteem, in addition to a decrease in mental health issues reminiscent of depression and anxiety.The SOE report acknowledges the importance of blue and green areas and concrete biodiversity in decreasing stress and enhancing overall well-being. The report highlights the crucial role of environmental health in promoting the welfare of First Nations Australians.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that nature-based therapies must be further researched, applied, and promoted for health issues. The team noted that folks usually tend to support environmental protection when health advantages are highlighted.

It’s important to think about the environmental effects of human purchasing, exploring, and prescribing activities to avoid harming health while attempting to improve it.

The team believes Australia’s environmental decline should be addressed with the identical proactiveness as other public health emergencies.

Journal reference:

• Barraclough, K.A., Carey, M., Winkel, K.D., Humphries, E., Shay, B.A. and Foong, Y.C., 2023. Why losing Australia’s biodiversity matters for human health: insights from the newest State of the Environment assessment. The Medical Journal of Australia, 218(8), pp.n-a. doi: 10.5694/mja2.51904 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/mja2.51904