The link between biodiversity and human health

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, Sweden

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, Västra Götalandsregionen, Gothenburg Sweden

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.