Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil, along with the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. This process is often accelerated by human activities, including the BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS, DEFORESTATION, POLLUTION, urbanization, and INDUSTRY and even AGRICULTURE.
Natural processes perform ecosystem services that are crucial to our health. They clean our water and air and stop soil from eroding into our drinking water. Soil erosion also affects food production capabilities, leading to malnutrition and food scarcity.
Biodiversity loss means that surviving species are less likely to have the right genes to fend off disease, which can lead to increased transmission of infectious diseases as human contact with wildlife increases. One modern example of this is the avian flu, which is ravaging birds and mammals alike, including humans.
Environmental degradation can also accelerate climate change, resulting in EXTREME WEATHER, natural disasters, and the spreading of INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
The health of our planet is the health of our people.
CREDIT: World Health Organization
