UNU-EHS expert Zita Sebesvari published an op-ed on The Conversation on the relationship between humans and nature, and how to improve this relationship in a post-COVID-19 world. This relationship is a complicated one, which can lead to both positive and negative impacts.
Loss of ecosystems and biodiversity from human action has led to higher chances of zoonotic diseases jumping to different species, threatening both nature and humans alike. But there are also positive aspects of human-nature relationship: access to urban green areas such as parks and lakes has positive impacts on health, and greening areas can reduce flood risk, to name just a few.
Source: United Nations University, Institute for Environment and Human Security, 07.01.2020