New Study Names Biodiversity Loss As The Main Driver Of Infectious Disease Outbreaks

A recent meta-analysis published in the journal Nature identified biodiversity loss as the primary driver of infectious disease outbreaks. The study analyzed nearly 1,000 existing studies focusing on global change drivers like climate change, chemical pollution, non-native species, and habitat loss. Biodiversity loss was found to be the biggest driver of infectious diseases, followed by climate change and invasive species.

Scientists predict that the next pandemic will likely be zoonotic, as was the case with COVID-19. Animal agriculture is identified as a key driver of both the climate crisis and the spread of infectious diseases. The industry contributes to land use, deforestation, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and overcrowding of animals. As such, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage ecosystem health, prevent biological invasions, and address biodiversity loss could help reduce the burden of infectious diseases and prevent future outbreaks.