Protecting our native species in the fight against future pandemics.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, revealed at the end of May, focuses on the need to preserve biodiversity to protect human life on Earth and explicitly recommends cities to develop ‘Urban Greening Plans’ by 2021. Green urban spaces are highlighted as a necessity in urban planning – not only to promote biodiversity in nature, but also support the wellbeing of our physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly highlighted the vulnerability of humans in nature – we treasure the limited exposure we have to the outdoors and are finding more ways to bring the outdoors in. With the slogan “Bringing nature back into our lives”, the emphasis of the EU Biodiversity Strategy is the need for cooperation if we hope to live in harmony with nature. We need to change old habits, but what lessons must we take away from the current pandemic we are facing to achieve this?
Although the source of the coronavirus is not confirmed, research shows that 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans), and 70% of these zoonotic diseases originate from wildlife. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum identified all of the top 5 global risks in terms of likelihood as environmental risks – the first time in the survey’s history. Biodiversity loss was identified as the second most impactful risk for the next decade. Although complex, the links between zoonotic diseases and biodiversity loss do exist, with one of the main reasons behind biodiversity loss being land use change, including urbanisation.
The top 20 risks over the next 10 years in terms of likelihood. Image courtesy of World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2020.
Urbanisation’s responsibility
The rapid urbanisation happening globally has resulted in cities growing at unprecedented rates with no suggestion of stopping. By 2050, almost 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities, which is an additional 2.5 billion people in urban areas. [6] This rapid growth prioritises the needs of the human population, rather than the needs of the existing nature, which we humans ultimately depend on.
Natural habitats may be fragmented, destroyed, or invaded by non-native species, as a result of urbanisation. Species are driven to find new habitats in urban areas that are in closer proximity to humans. As a result, species that have never interacted with one another come together and a new, unnatural mix of biodiversity is created that can lead to an increased risk of zoonotic diseases spreading.
What must be done to prevent the chance of this spread occurring? Urban policy makers must prioritise working with local inhabitants to protect biodiversity in expanding urban areas, not only for the safety of native species, but for the safety and education of humans too. Protecting native species ensures the balance of ecosystems prevails. Urban residents can support this, by using available green spaces to recreate habitats for native species. Trees for birds, flowers for pollinators and bug hotels all hold the potential for nature to reclaim their lost spaces and live in harmony with humans.
“Bringing nature back into our lives” must be the goal we adopt from now on, in the decisions we make both on a personal and global level. European cities must comply with the Strategy, to ensure their recovery from the pandemic promotes a green future. 2020 has shown us that nobody is immune to the consequences of environmental degradation, but we can adapt our lifestyles to manage the factors heightening these risks and create the green urban spaces we need.
Written by Anna Turitsyna
Anna Turitsyna is in her 3rd year of studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College London and has been an active member of several climate action societies at her university. She is a member of the Biodiversity Working Group at Generation Climate Europe.