How loss of biodiversity threatens human health | DW News

Summary

The transcript highlights the crucial role biodiversity plays in human health, from providing natural sources for pharmaceuticals to maintaining clean air and water. Despite the life-saving potential of nature, biodiversity is rapidly declining due to human actions like overharvesting, land conversion, and climate change. The conversation also touches on how technology, such as pollination machines, might help mitigate some losses but struggles to replace nature's complex interactions. Efforts like agroforestry and reducing food waste are presented as solutions, underscoring the need for combined actions to protect biodiversity for future well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nature provides essential chemicals and compounds that are used in medicines to treat diseases like malaria and cancer.
• 😀 Many species are being threatened with extinction, which puts our access to these crucial resources in jeopardy.
• 😀 Some drugs, like pain medications derived from sea snails, are thousands of times more effective than synthetic alternatives.
• 😀 Nature plays a central role in the discovery of new drugs, with over 70 cancer medications alone based on natural compounds.
• 😀 Biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, with nearly a third of over 150,000 species at risk of extinction.
• 😀 The main threats to biodiversity include over-harvesting, land conversion for agriculture and livestock, and human-driven climate change.
• 😀 Biodiversity loss poses a significant risk to human health by disrupting the natural systems that support life on Earth.
• 😀 Governments have committed to protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030, but the effectiveness of these promises remains uncertain.
• 😀 Biodiversity is crucial not just for medicine, but for maintaining clean air, water, and food sources that support human health.
• 😀 While technology, like artificial pollination, can help offset some biodiversity losses, it cannot replace the complex interactions in nature that are essential for ecosystem function.

Q & A

Why is biodiversity important for human health?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in human health by providing resources for pharmaceuticals, food, and clean air and water. It also helps maintain ecological balance, supporting the systems that regulate the environment and support life.

What role does nature play in the discovery of new drugs?

Nature has been a key source for many drugs, with around 70 cancer medications alone derived from natural compounds. Many drugs are based on chemical ideas gained from nature, though they are often modified for enhanced effectiveness and safety.

What are the main threats to biodiversity according to the transcript?

The main threats to biodiversity are overharvesting, land conversion for agriculture and livestock, and human-driven climate change. These factors are causing many species to face extinction.

How does biodiversity loss impact human health directly?

Biodiversity loss can lead to the breakdown of vital ecosystems that provide clean air, water, food, and medicines. The loss of species can disrupt these natural services, making it harder for humans to survive and thrive.

What is the goal set by governments to address biodiversity loss by 2030?

Governments have committed to protecting 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030 in an effort to tackle biodiversity loss and ensure the preservation of ecosystems vital for human health and survival.

Why are trees important for human health beyond their aesthetic value?

Trees help improve human health by removing pollutants from the air, which reduces the risks associated with air pollution. In areas with more trees, air pollution is less of a problem, thus decreasing health issues like respiratory diseases.

How do wetlands contribute to human health?

Wetlands play an important role in cleaning water, as demonstrated by cities like Kolkata, India, where wetlands are used to purify water for farming, drinking, and other uses, contributing to better health by providing access to clean water.

What role does biotechnology play in compensating for biodiversity loss?

Biotechnology has advanced, with inventions like pollination robots that can replace disappearing insects like bees. However, these solutions are more expensive and cannot fully replicate the complex interactions in nature, leaving gaps in what can be achieved.

What are some ways we can help preserve biodiversity on an individual level?

Individuals can contribute to biodiversity preservation by supporting sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry, reducing food waste, and making conscious consumption choices that minimize environmental impact.

Can technology fully replace the ecological services provided by nature?

While technology can provide some solutions, like pollination robots, it is unlikely to fully replace the complex, interdependent systems of nature. Natural ecosystems offer services that technology cannot replicate or replace in a cost-effective and sustainable way.