BIODIVERSITY AND THE

HEALTHY SOCIETY
GROUP 4:

Arvin Pimentel

Charleston Opiaza

Den Mark Macaraeg

Gyana Denise S. Morales

Joerick Lazaga

Paul John Perez Gonzales

Van Magday
 INTRODUCTION

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth, including the

diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within
species. It provides many ecosystem services that are essential to
human well-being, such as air and water purification, nutrient
cycling, and climate regulation.
• Land use change, pollution, poor water quality, chemical and waste
contamination, climate change and other causes of ecosystem degradation
all contribute to biodiversity loss and, can pose considerable threats to
human health. One of the primary threats to biodiversity is habitat loss.
This can be through clear cutting forests, polluting oceans, or anything that
alters the natural habitat. We harvest large amounts of natural resources
and when this is not done sustainably it has disastrous consequences.
• Human activities are disturbing both the structure and functions of
ecosystems and altering native biodiversity. Such disturbances reduce the
abundance of some organisms, cause population growth in others, modify
the interactions among organisms, and alter the interactions between
organisms and their physical and chemical environments. Patterns of
infectious diseases are sensitive to these disturbances.
• . Biodiversity also directly supports human health by providing
natural products, like plants and animals, which have been used
for centuries to treat and cure a wide range of diseases.
Additionally, spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor
activities that are made possible by biodiversity can promote
mental and physical health. However, biodiversity is threatened
by human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and
climate change..
• Biodiversity loss can increase the risk of infectious disease
outbreaks, reduce access to clean air and water, and exacerbate
the impacts of climate change, making it important to take action
to protect and restore biodiversity for the benefit of both human
health and the environment.
• Biodiversity changes affect ecosystem functioning and significant
disruptions of ecosystems can result in life sustaining ecosystem goods and
services. Biodiversity loss also means that we are losing, before discovery,
many of nature's chemicals and genes, of the kind that have already
provided humankind with enormous health benefits.
• Biodiversity provides numerous ecosystem services that are crucial to human well-being at
present and in the future. Climate is an integral part of ecosystem functioning and human
health is impacted directly and indirectly by results of climatic conditions upon terrestrial
and marine ecosystems. Marine biodiversity is affected by ocean acidification related to
levels of carbon in the atmosphere. Terrestrial biodiversity is influenced by climate
variability, such as extreme weather events (ie drought, flooding) that directly influence
ecosystem health and the productivity and availability of ecosystem goods and services for
human use. Longer term changes in climate affect the viability and health of ecosystems,
influencing shifts in the distribution of plants, pathogens, animals, and even human
settlements.
 ADVANTAGES

1. Ecosystem services - Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services that

are critical for human health and well-being. These services include air and
water purification, soil formation, pollination, and climate regulation, among
others. By maintaining and protecting biodiversity, we can ensure that these
services are available for future generations.
2. Medicinal resources - Many of the medicines and medical treatments used
today are derived from natural resources like plants and animals. Protecting
biodiversity ensures that we have access to these resources, which could lead
to the development of new medicines and treatments for a range of health
issues.
3. Nutritional benefits - Biodiversity provides a range of nutritional benefits to
human societies. By protecting biodiversity, we can ensure that we have access
to a diverse range of foods that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals.
 DISADVANTAGES

1.Disease outbreaks - As mentioned earlier, biodiversity loss can

increase the risk of disease outbreaks. As natural habitats are
destroyed, wildlife populations can be displaced and come into
closer contact with humans, increasing the risk of zoonotic
diseases.
2. Reduced access to clean air and water - Biodiversity loss can
reduce the quality of the air and water that humans rely on. For
example, deforestation and habitat destruction have been linked to
air and water pollution, which can lead to a range of health issues
such as respiratory diseases and cancers.
3. Climate change - Biodiversity loss can exacerbate the impacts of
climate change, which can have significant impacts on health society. As
temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
increases. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts
can cause physical injuries, displacement, and mental health impacts,
which can have significant impacts on health systems and societies.
 REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. What is the essence of the special issue that your group presented?(15 pts)

2. Do the advantages in your special issue outweigh the disadvantages?(15 pts)

3. Perspective wise, how is the special issue your group presented can directly affect
you? Will it affect you negatively or positively? Elaborate (20 pts)

4. SPECIAL QUESTION (30 PTS)

THANK YOU!!!