Course Title: Science Technology and Society

Date : December 15, 2022

Module 12

Content : Biodiversity and Healthy Society

 Opening Prayer
Let us now pause for a moment and feel the presence of
God in our midst.
In the name of the Father …
Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for the gift of
life, for all the blessings we receive everyday.
Thank you Lord for keeping us safe and healthy and
bringing us together in this class. We pray that You will
send forth the Holy Spirit to guide, enlighten and to
focus our attention to our discussion in order to
understand fully and learn the lesson well.
As we pray … Hail Mary … Holy Mary Mother of God …
In the name of the Father …
Good Day Everyone …

2
 objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1. determine the interrelatedness of society and environment and health;

2. create a diagram that would show the relatedness of species in forming up a

diverse and healthy society without compromising one another; and

3. identify everyday tasks and evaluate whether they contribute to the wellness
and health of biodiversity and society or not.
Human health and wellbeing are closely interlinked with
the nature and quality of natural and built environments
while socio-economic and cultural factors have a strong
influence on disease burdens as well as on perceptions of
and responses to health risks.
 Biodiversity
Definitions Biodiversity:

 It is defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire earth.

 It encompasses all kinds of life forms, from the single-celled organisms to
the largest multi-celled organisms.

 It is the variability among living organisms from all sources including

terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are part.

 It makes up the ecological balance that maintains and sustains all life forms
including human life.

 Existence of more different kinds of plants and animals in an environment.

How does biodiversity maintain a healthy society?
 How does biodiversity maintain a healthy society?

 Biodiversity ensures health and food security

 Biodiversity underpins global nutrition and food

security. Millions of species work together to provide us
with a large array of fruits, vegetables and animal
products essential to a healthy, balanced diet – but they
are increasingly under threat.
Biodiversity supports human and societal needs, including
food and nutrition security, energy, development of
medicines and pharmaceuticals and freshwater, which
together underpin good health.

It also supports economic opportunities, and leisure

activities that contribute to overall well being.
 1. Biodiversity ensures health and food security

Biodiversity underpins global nutrition and food security.

Millions of species work together to provide us with a
large array of fruits, vegetables and animal products
essential to a healthy, balanced diet – but they are
increasingly under threat.

Three crops – wheat, corn and rice – provide almost 60%

of total plant-based calories consumed by humans.
 2. Biodiversity helps fight disease

Higher rates of biodiversity have been linked to an increase

in human health.

First, plants are essential for medicines. For example, 25%

of drugs used in modern medicine are derived from
rainforest plants while 70% of cancer drugs are natural or
synthetic products inspired by nature. This means that every
time a species goes extinct, we miss out on a potential new
medicine.
 2. Biodiversity helps fight disease

Second, biodiversity due to protected natural areas has

been linked to lower instances of disease such as Lyme
disease and malaria. While the exact origin of the virus
causing COVID-19 is still unknown, 60% of infectious
diseases originate from animals and 70% of emerging
infectious diseases originate from wildlife. As human
activities encroach upon the natural world, through
deforestation and urbanisation, we reduce the size and
number of ecosystems. As a result, animals live in closer
quarters with one another and with humans, creating ideal
conditions for the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Zoonotic diseases are infections that are spread
between people and animals.

These infections are caused by germs, such as

viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

Some can be severe and life threatening, such as

rabies, and others may be milder and get better on
their own. Zoonotic diseases are very common.
 3. Biodiversity benefits business
According to the World Economic Forum's recent Nature
Risk Rising Report, more than half of the world’s GDP
($44 trillion) is highly or moderately dependent on nature.
Many businesses are, therefore, at risk due to increasing
nature loss. Global sales of pharmaceuticals based on
materials of natural origin are worth an estimated $75
billion a year, while natural wonders such as coral reefs
are essential to food and tourism.

Coral reefs are essential to tourism in some parts of the

world – but they're disappearing.
 4. Biodiversity provides livelihoods

Humans derive approximately $125 trillion of value from

natural ecosystems each year. Globally, three out of four
jobs are dependent on water while the agricultural sector
employs over 60% of the world’s working poor. In the
Global South, forests are the source of livelihoods for over
1.6 billion people. In India, forest ecosystems contribute
only 7% to India’s GDP yet 57% of rural Indian
communities’ livelihoods.
Forest officials ride an elephant as they count one-horned
rhinoceros during a rhino census at the Kaziranga National
Park, in Golaghat district, in the northeastern state of
Assam, India.
 5. Biodiversity protects us
Biodiversity makes the earth habitable. Biodiverse
ecosystems provide nature-based solutions that buffer us
from natural disasters such as floods and storms, filter our
water and regenerate our soils.

The clearance of over 35% of the world’s mangroves for

human activities has increasingly put people and their
homes at risk from floods and sea-level rise.

Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems is vital to

fighting climate change. Nature-based solutions could
provide 37% of the cost-effective CO2 mitigation needed
by 2030 to maintain global warming within 2°C.
Scarlet ibis are pictured on the banks of a mangrove
swamp located on the mouth of the Calcoene River where
it joins the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Amapa state,
northern Brazil.
 Benefits of Biodiversity People
Benefits from biodiversity in various aspects, like economic, scientific and even moral
and spiritual life.

Biodiversity is important because plant and animal species interact and depend upon
each other for food, shelter, oxygen and soil enrichment.

Biodiversity provides with the ff.

1. Natural resources - food, air, water, food, energy and medicine.
2. Natural (ecosystem) Services- cleaning air, purifying water, regulating our climate,
nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, pest, regulation, buffers against flooding,
pollination, breaking down of waste, habitat and breeding areas for wildlife.
3. Aesthetic and recreational benefits- natural landscapes in undisturbed places provide
a means to get away from man made structures and which can also serve as ecotourism
spots such places can be venues for activities like bird watching and photography.

Humans need to be responsible in optimizing the benefits of biodiversity through the

proper utilization of science & technology.
An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants,
animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and
landscape, work together to form a bubble of life.

Ecosystems contain biotic or living parts, as well as

abiotic factors, or nonliving parts.

Abiotic factors include rocks, temperature, and humidity.

The four ecosystem types are classifications known as
artificial, terrestrial, lentic and lotic.

An artificial ecosystem is a man-made system of plants,

animals, and people living in an area together with their
surroundings.
The four ecosystem types are classifications known as
artificial, terrestrial, lentic and lotic.

A terrestrial ecosystem is a land-based community of

organisms and the interactions of biotic and abiotic
components in a given area. Examples of terrestrial
ecosystems include the tundra, taigas, temperate
deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, and
deserts.
The four ecosystem types are classifications known as
artificial, terrestrial, lentic and lotic.

A lentic ecosystem refers to a body of standing water,

ranging from ditches, seeps, ponds, seasonal pools,
basin marshes, and lakes. It also includes wetlands.
The four ecosystem types are classifications known as
artificial, terrestrial, lentic and lotic.

A lotic ecosystem is the ecosystem of a river, stream or

spring. Lotic ecosystems can be contrasted with lentic
ecosystems, which involve relatively still terrestrial waters
such as lakes and ponds. Together, these two fields form
the more general study area of freshwater or aquatic
ecology.
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem

Ecosystem - everything that exists in a particular

environment

- Understanding biodiversity within the concept of

ecosystem needs a thorough study of the biotic,
(living) & the abiotic (non-living) organisms.

- Interdisciplinary approach is needed to study the

ecosystem sustainability of the ecosystem ensures a
better survival rate against any natural disaster.

- Human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must preserve

and conserve the biodiversity of all creatures.
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem
- Some human needs that are answered and provided
by our ecosystem :

1. Needs to drink clean and fresh water

Water is a fundamental human need. Each person on

Earth requires at least 20 to 50 liters of clean, safe water
a day for drinking, cooking, and simply keeping
themselves clean. Polluted water isn't just dirty—it's
deadly. Some 1.8 million people die every year of
diarrheal diseases like cholera.
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem

- Some human needs that are answered and provided

by our ecosystem :

2. Needs to eat healthy vegetables and food

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood

pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke,
prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and
digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon
blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check.
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem

- Some human needs that are answered and provided

by our ecosystem :
3. Needs of man to transport, which make him rely on
fuel. If we fail to keep the process of taking care of the
ecosystem, it is us who are actually putting our lives at
risk.
Changes in the ecosystem - affect livelihood, income and political conflict.

Changes in Biodiversity - A change in biodiversity could have erratic effects in wildlife,

marine life, and in human beings.

Examples:
1. humans inhabiting the forest would disturb the natural order of life.
2. Trees and plants would be affected in the land - for clearing operations where the
houses would be built.
3. The animals, insects and all types of landforms would either be displaced or be killed.
4. The food chain might be damaged.
The loss of there life forms could affect the entire ecosystem governing the environment.
When the ecosystem is not well taken care of, biodiversity encounters changes that may
impact human health on such different levels.
 Major threats to biodiversity

1. Habitat loss and destruction

The primary effect of habitat destruction is a reduction in

biodiversity, which refers to the variety and abundance
of different species of animals and plants in a particular
setting. When an animal loses the natural home or
habitat that it needs to survive, its numbers decline
rapidly, and it moves toward extinction.
 Major threats to biodiversity

2. Alterations in ecosystem composition

Alteration of ecosystem structure can occur whenever

an action changes the species composition of an area.

Such alterations of structure may vary widely in how

they impact a given ecosystem, from relatively low
impact associated with cattail growth to high impact if
the wetland is drained and filled for development.
 Major threats to biodiversity

3. Overexploitation of resources

Overexploitation, also called overharvesting, refers to

harvesting a renewable resource to the point of
diminishing returns.

The term applies to natural resources such as: wild

medicinal plants, grazing pastures, game animals, fish
stocks, forests, and water aquifers.
 Major threats to biodiversity

4. Pollution and contamination

Contamination is simply the presence of a substance

where it should not be or at concentrations above
background. Pollution is contamination that results in or
can result in adverse biological effects to resident
communities. All pollutants are contaminants, but not all
contaminants are pollutants.
 Major threats to biodiversity

5. Global climate change Consequences of biodiversity loss

It also refers to sea level rise caused by the expansion of

warmer seas and melting ice sheets and glaciers.

Global warming causes climate change, which poses a

serious threat to life on earth in the forms of widespread
flooding and extreme weather. Scientists continue to
study global warming and its impact on Earth.
The loss of biodiversity has many consequences that we
understand and many that we do not understand.

Humankind is willing to sustain a great deal of biodiversity

loss of these are concomitant benefits to society.

Nutritional impact of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is a major factor that contributes to

sustainable food production for human beings.
 Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

a. The ecosystem with food production as an ecosystem service.

Ecosystem services are the engine of the environment. ...

Most food production hinges on the wise management of
ecosystem services and biodiversity – they maintain healthy
soils, enable pollination and regulate pests and disease,
amongst other services.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

b. The species in the ecosystem.

The role a species plays in the ecosystem is called its

niche. A habitat is the physical environment in which a
species lives.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

c. The genetic diversity within species.

Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic

characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, it
ranges widely from the number of species to differences
within species and can be attributed to the span of
survival for a species.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

d. Healthy local diets with adequate average levels of nutrients

intake necessitates maintenance of high biodiversity levels of
nutrients intake.

Nutritional composition between foods and among

varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ
dramatically, affecting micronutrient availability in the diet.
Healthy local diets, with adequate average levels of
nutrients intake, necessitates maintenance of high
biodiversity levels.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

e. Intensified and enhanced food production through irrigation,

use of fertilizes and plant protection (pesticides).

Irrigation allows you to: grow more pastures and crops, produce higher
quality crops/pastures as water stress can dramatically impact on the
quality of farm produce.
Problems that can stem from overusing fertilizers include runoff and
erosion, the contamination of water supplies, and disruptions to aquatic
life. Nitrates, phosphates, and other nutrients are abundant in common
agricultural fertilizers.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: such as:

f. Introduction of crop varieties and cropping patterns affect

biodiversity and thus impact global nutritional status and human
health.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in human nutrition through its

influence on world food production, as it ensures the
sustainable productivity of soils and provides the genetic
resources for all crops, livestock, and marine species
harvested for food.
 Health, Biology and Biodiversity

All living organisms are dependent to their environment to

live & reproduce. Basic needs of living organisms provided
by its environment are:

 1. Air
 2. Water
 3. Food
 4. Habitat
Advances in agriculture, sanitation, water treatment and
hygiene have a far greater impact on human health than
medical technology.

Although the environment sustain human life, it can also

cause diseases. Lack of basic necessities is a significant
cause of human mortality.
Environmental hazards increase the risk of cancer, heart
disease, asthma and many other illnesses.

These hazards can be physical such as pollution, toxic

chemicals and food contaminants.

Social such as dangerous work, poor housing condition, etc.

 urban sprawl and poverty
Urbanization directly affects rural poverty, as it generates
new opportunities for rural workers, who shift out of
agriculture and into more remunerative, non-farm activities
in the city. This causes an influx of money into the rural
areas, mainly in the shape of remittances.
 unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene
are responsible for a variety of infectious diseases

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to

transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea,
dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with
its environment are:

Parkinson's disease
Emerging research also
shows that there could
be an infectious origin
of Parkinsonism in
some people that is
related to
neuroinflammation
caused by viruses such
as influenza A, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C, varicella-zoster,
and others.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

heart disease

A buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries (atherosclerosis)

is the most common cause of coronary artery disease.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet, lack of

exercise, being overweight and smoking, can lead to
atherosclerosis.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

cancer

A number of forces can cause gene mutations, such as

smoking, radiation, viruses, cancer-causing chemicals
(carcinogens), obesity, hormones, chronic inflammation and
a lack of exercise.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The cause of COPD is usually long-term exposure to

irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the
United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe,
cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause
COPD, especially if you inhale them. Exposure to other
inhaled irritants can contribute to COPD.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

asthma

Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It causes

your airways to get inflamed and narrow, and it makes it
hard to breathe.

Asthma triggers are different from person to person and

can include: Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust
mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach
waste. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

diabetes

Although not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight,

obesity and an inactive lifestyle are two of the most
common causes of type 2 diabetes. These things are
responsible for about 90% to 95% of diabetes cases in the
United States.
 Environment Related Diseases:

Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its

environment are:

obesity

Obesity is generally caused by eating too much and moving

too little. If you consume high amounts of energy, particularly
fats and sugars, but do not burn off the energy through
exercise and physical activity, much of the surplus energy will
be stored by the body as fats.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

occupational injuries

An occupational injury is defined as any personal injury,

disease or death resulting from an occupational
accident. An occupational injury is therefore distinct from
an occupational disease, which is a disease contracted
as a result of an exposure over a period of time to risk
factors arising from work activity.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

arthritis

Arthritis Trigger Foods to Avoid are Pasta, Wheat products

— like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell
trouble for your joints, especially if you have rheumatoid
arthritis, butter and margarine, hamburgers, tomatoes and
sugary drinks.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The

parasite can be spread to humans through the bites of
infected mosquitoes. There are many different types of
plasmodium parasite, but only 5 types cause malaria in
humans.
 Environment Related Diseases:
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its
environment are:

depression.

People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed

by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be
more likely to experience depression. Environmental factors:
Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty
may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
Activities that promote health and extend human life
could have adverse environmental effects.

Examples:

 Food production causes environmental damage from

pesticides and fertilizers

 Soil salinization
 Wastes produced by livestock
 Carbon emissions from food manufacturing
&transportation
Deforestation and overfishing: Healthcare facilities also
have adverse environmental impacts.

Hospitals use large quantities of electricity and fossil fuels

and produce medical wastes.

To prevent some diseases it maybe necessary to alter the

environment.

Example: malaria was eradicated by draining wetland and

spraying DDT to kill mosquitoes.

Issues at the intersection of health & the environment

have benefits and risks:
 Example: Pesticides play an important role in
increasing crop yields but they can also pose hazards
to human health and the environment.
Stopping pesticide use could reduce agricultural
productivity leading to food shortage and increased food
prices which would increase starvation in some parts of
the world.

Public health authorities opted to regulate the use

pesticides to enhance food production while minimizing
damage to the environment and human health.
Energy production use- help sustain human life but it can
also pose hazards to human health at the environment such
as air and water pollution, oil spills & destruction of habitats

The value of biodiversity is the value of everything.

Thank you for listening!