The link between biodiversity and human health
Session 2
Introduction to the session
Humanity's environmental footprint on the planet has never been as significant as it is today. The interconnectedness of human health with the health of our planet and its ecosystems is more apparent than ever. Human health is linked to the health of our planet. Planetary health or "One Health" is the discipline that studies these interconnections between human, plant and animal life. This is the real essence of Life Science defined as "the interdisciplinary research branch devoted to the study of biological life as well as the internal and external conditions for continued life". Professionals within the Life Science sector have a responsibility to understand and advocate the intimate links between human health and animal health, deforestation, global warming, defaunation, pollution, lack of clean water, loss of biodiversity, food production and food consumption.
Session programme
15:30-15:55 Learning from nature. The power of biological intelligence for human health.
Peter Stenvinkel, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
15:55-16:20 The environmental exposome and human health.
Paul Shiels, Glagow University, UK
16:20-16:45 Physical health linked to biological diversity – how much better do we feel by being outdoors in a varied environment?
Hanna Tornevall, Göteborgs botaniska trädgård
16:45-17:00 Q&A
Further information about the session
Keywords: Planetary health, lifestyle diseases, aging, inflammation
Language: English
Time and venue: 15:30-17:00 in Europa
Organisers: Peter Stenvinkel, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Strategy for transformative change in focus for the session
IPBES highlights 5 complementary key strategies for transformative change: From conserving vital places to shifting values. Together these create pathways to just and sustainable futures. Learn more: IPBES Transformative Change Assessment: Chapter 5. Realizing a sustainable world for nature and people: transformative strategies, actions and roles for all
As indicated in the illustration below, session 1 focuses mainly on strategy 1: Conserve and regenerate places of value to nature and people.
