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Ecosystems and health
There is growing concern amongst many natural scientists that human interventions are altering the capacity of ecosystems to provide their goods (e.g. freshwater, food, pharmaceutical products, etc) and services (e.g. purification of air, water, soil, sequestration of pollutants, etc).
Ecosystem disruption can impact on health in a variety of ways and through complex pathways. These are moreover modified by a local population’s current vulnerability and their future capacity to implement adaptation measures.
The links between ecosystem change and human health are seen most clearly among impoverished communities, who lack the “buffers” that more affluent communities can afford.
Further information
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Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
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Biodiversity
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Desertification
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Freshwater
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Ecosystems links
Documentation
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Ecosystems and human well-being: Health synthesis
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The health impacts of desertification and drought [pdf, 1.3 Mb]
Review. UNCCD Newsletter, no. 14, pages 4-6 (2000)
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Water for health – taking charge
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