Biodiversity and Health in the Urban Environment

Abstract

Purpose of review Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments. Recent findings Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans. Summary A key research gap is to understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.

Examining the paradox of urban disease ecology by linking the perspectives of Urban One Health and Ecology with Cities

“…When biodiverse spatiotemporal scales in highly heterogeneous landscapes (Douglas 2012;LaDeau et al 2015;Hassell et al 2017;Santiago-Alarcon and MacGregor-Fors 2020;Combs et al 2022). Further, various characteristics of urban systems may have contrasting influences on biodiversity, disease risk, and human health, leading to management tradeoffs and localized, site-specific dynamics that are difficult to generalize and predict (Douglas 2012;Gottdenker et al 2014;LaDeau et al 2015;Lõhmus and Balbus 2015;Rothenburger et al 2017;Marselle et al 2021;Combs et al 2022). Cities, in particular, have traditionally been considered as facilitating the spillover and spread of zoonotic pathogens due to higher density of large human populations living closely with zoonotic reservoirs (Alirol et al 2011;Neiderud 2015;Hassell et al 2017;Rothenburger et al 2017).…”

“…(D) Ecological variables of animal populations affect environmental conditions such as distribution of and human proximity to pathogen reservoirs. (E) Humans have many direct interactions with animal vectors and pathogens, including management, which affects (F) disease transmission risk of pollution exposure (e.g., through filtration, retention, and remediation); and biological control of disease vectors by predators (Ostfeld and Holt 2004;Douglas 2012;Mills et al 2019;Flies et al 2020;Marselle et al 2021).…”

Ecosystem restoration is integral to humanity's recovery from COVID-19

“… 33 As a result, a thorough cost–benefit analysis of the health-promoting versus harm-causing pathways is essential. 34 …”

“…33 As a result, a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the health-promoting versus harm-causing pathways is essential. 34 Ecosystem restoration can also improve social equity in access to nature, the importance of which was shown during COVID-19 lockdowns, during which neighbourhood green and blue spaces had an important role in helping people to cope with the pandemic and the public health measures implemented to reduce transmission. 12,35,36 There is increasing interest in restoration-based health interventions, which are sometimes known as green prescriptions, for the health benefits of nature engagement.…”

Urban Climate Policy and Action through a Health Lens—An Untapped Opportunity

“…For example, soil protection and biodiversity can result from improved waste management [ 9 ] and reducing car use through urban design can potentially lead to the creation of new public, open and natural spaces with associated improvements in biodiversity, flood, and heat management, and opportunities for socializing and addressing loneliness. These, in turn, lead to mental and physical health benefits [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”