Linking Biodiversity and Human Health to Achieve Sustainability
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2.2 Pollution and Health
In 2016, 210 premature deaths in Malta were attributable to the concentration of
airborne particles of less than 2.5 microns in size (PM 2.5 ) (European Environmental
Agency, 2019, p. 68).
The global issues of land and water pollution also apply locally, with improper
disposal of chemicals, sewage, pesticides and fertilisers, plastics, and plastic bags
comprising some of the threats faced. Besides water-borne diseases, polluted water
poses risks to foetal health and development following ingestion by the mother
(Currie et al. 2013), and diversity of aquatic species is affected by the physical
blockage of watercourses, eventually resulting in eutrophication (Dodds 2007).
The loss of flora on land results in increased erosion and dust storms, thus reducing
air quality (Aenab et al. 2013), followed by a subsequent decrease in soil quantity.
The consequential alterations to soil biodiversity may directly affect human health
through the reduction or elimination of specific components, such as certain microorganisms that lessen the prevalence of allergies and allergic disease following exposure
(Wall et al. 2015).
2.3 Effects of Biodiversity on Human Health and Well-Being
Exposure to biodiversity in the natural environment is known to ease a variety of
ailments (Kuo 2015), and increased physical activity reduces the risk of obesity and
cardiovascular disease. Using this premise, the “Green Prescription” programme
implemented in New Zealand allows for General Practitioners to prescribe countryside walks instead of medication. The programmes generated mixed reviews, yet
improvements in physical and mental health were reported (Patel et al. 2012).
Although further research is required to strengthen knowledge regarding the links
between biodiversity and health, Sandifer et al. (2015) find that biodiversity benefits humans on psychological and physiological levels through aesthetic, cultural
and socio-economic pathways, as well as a result of the materials obtained from
ecosystems.
2.4 Biodiversity, Stress and Mental Health
Studies show that contact with biodiversity promotes relaxation and assists in the
recovery from stress, with measurements of stress indicators, such as salivary and
hair cortisol, quantitatively proving these effects (Gidlow et al. 2016).
The psychological benefits of biodiversity are directly related to the richness of
the biodiversity present (Fuller et al. 2007), and significantly improved benefits were
noted upon exposure to the physical natural environment as opposed to a simulated
37
2.2 Pollution and Health
In 2016, 210 premature deaths in Malta were attributable to the concentration of
airborne particles of less than 2.5 microns in size (PM 2.5 ) (European Environmental
Agency, 2019, p. 68).
The global issues of land and water pollution also apply locally, with improper
disposal of chemicals, sewage, pesticides and fertilisers, plastics, and plastic bags
comprising some of the threats faced. Besides water-borne diseases, polluted water
poses risks to foetal health and development following ingestion by the mother
(Currie et al. 2013), and diversity of aquatic species is affected by the physical
blockage of watercourses, eventually resulting in eutrophication (Dodds 2007).
The loss of flora on land results in increased erosion and dust storms, thus reducing
air quality (Aenab et al. 2013), followed by a subsequent decrease in soil quantity.
The consequential alterations to soil biodiversity may directly affect human health
through the reduction or elimination of specific components, such as certain microorganisms that lessen the prevalence of allergies and allergic disease following exposure
(Wall et al. 2015).
2.3 Effects of Biodiversity on Human Health and Well-Being
Exposure to biodiversity in the natural environment is known to ease a variety of
ailments (Kuo 2015), and increased physical activity reduces the risk of obesity and
cardiovascular disease. Using this premise, the “Green Prescription” programme
implemented in New Zealand allows for General Practitioners to prescribe countryside walks instead of medication. The programmes generated mixed reviews, yet
improvements in physical and mental health were reported (Patel et al. 2012).
Although further research is required to strengthen knowledge regarding the links
between biodiversity and health, Sandifer et al. (2015) find that biodiversity benefits humans on psychological and physiological levels through aesthetic, cultural
and socio-economic pathways, as well as a result of the materials obtained from
ecosystems.
2.4 Biodiversity, Stress and Mental Health
Studies show that contact with biodiversity promotes relaxation and assists in the
recovery from stress, with measurements of stress indicators, such as salivary and
hair cortisol, quantitatively proving these effects (Gidlow et al. 2016).
The psychological benefits of biodiversity are directly related to the richness of
the biodiversity present (Fuller et al. 2007), and significantly improved benefits were
noted upon exposure to the physical natural environment as opposed to a simulated