Electronic Journal of Biology

Perspective

The array of living things that make up life on Earth is referred to as biodiversity. It includes the planet's estimated 8 million organisms, which range from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria, as well as the habitats in which they live, such as oceans, forests, mountain areas, and coral reefs. Nature, on the other hand, is in a state of emergency. One million animals are on the verge of extinction, a rate 1,000 times higher than at any other point in recorded human history.

Biodiversity [1] means that we have fertile soil and a diverse range of foods to consume, such as fruits and vegetables. It is the base of most of our industries and livelihoods, and it aids in climate regulation by storing carbon and controlling rainfall. It also cleans our air and water, as well as reducing the effects of natural disasters including landslides and coastal storms. Forests, which house the majority of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity, are the most significant habitats and biodiversity refuges on land: According to The State of the World's Forests, 80 percent of amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species, and 68 percent of mammal species are threatened.

“Healthy habitats can protect against disease spread: where native biodiversity is high, the infection rate for certain zoonotic diseases can be reduced,” says Doreen Robinson, a biodiversity specialist with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In humans, one new infectious disease occurs every four months on average, with animal infections accounting for 75% of these infections. When we kill animal habitats or illegally trade in animals, zoonotic diseases [2] will spread to humans, increasing our exposure to pathogens.Many medicines used in modern medicine have their origins in nature.

 Health researchers use plants, livestock, and microbes to better understand human physiology and cure diseases. Natural medicines are used by four billion people, and about 70% of cancer drugs are either natural or synthetically inspired by nature. The three largest sectors that are most reliant on nature are construction, agriculture, and food and beverages. Such industries depend on ecosystem services such as healthy soils, clean water, pollination, and a stable atmosphere, or require direct extraction of resources from forests and oceans. More than 70% of the hundreds of millions of people living in poverty depend on natural resources [3] to make a living, whether by farming, fishing, forestry, or other nature-based activities. Biodiversity and habitat destruction, global warming, and environmental emissions are all threatening nature. Humanity is failing if we do not act. Addressing the current corona virus pandemic and preparing for potential global threats necessitates careful control of toxic medical and chemical waste, good and global stewardship of nature and biodiversity, and a firm commitment to “building back better.”

Nature and its services account for roughly US$44 trillion in economic value production, which accounts for more than half of global GDP

References

1. Gaston KJ, Spicer JI (2013). Biodiversity: an introduction. John Wiley & Sons.

2. Slingenbergh J, Gilbert M, Balogh KD, et al. (2004). Ecological sources of zoonotic diseases. Revue scientifique et technique-Office international des epizooties 23:467-84.

3. Gylfason T (2001). Natural resources, education, and economic development. Eur. Econ Rev 45:847-59.