In the report titled Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, scientists have said that degradation of the eco systems of the world are having a detrimental effect to human health and may cause greater harm in next 50 years.
Diseases such as malaria and cholera are threatening to cause a major outbreak and new diseases are emerging because of 60% of the beneficial factors of the eco system are being used in unsustainable way.The report emphasizes that the link between ecology and human health is of a complex nature and hence may not be felt in the initial stages of loss and will be only felt in cases of major disease outbreaks or health hazards that may affect a whole population before it may be understood.
The report which is the first of a series that will assess the global ecology in its present state and its long term benefit on human health is being compiled with the help of 1300 experts from 95 countries. One of the initial problems faced by the dwindling ecological resources will be difficulty in achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.
Reference: World Health Organization, Press Release April 2005
