One Health: The connection between humans, animals and nature

Our Health is not an isolated phenomenon. It is the result of a complex interaction between us, the animals and our environment. This knowledge is behind the concept of One Health – an idea that Health holistically thinks and recognizes the inseparable connections between humans, animals and nature. While Science and international organizations are increasingly emphasizing this approach, economic and political interests are often contradicted.

What does one health mean?

One Health is an interdisciplinary approach that aims to recognize and combat health risks at an early stage by working together human, animal and environmental medicine. Among other things, it includes:

• Understand infectious diseases: Around 75 percent of all newly occurring infectious diseases in humans originally come from animals-so-called zoonoses such as Covid-19, Ebola or bird flu. The way we deal with animals directly affects our own health.
• Contaminate antibiotic resistance: The massive use of antibiotics in factory farming contributes to the development of resistant germs, which are also a challenge for humans.
• Environmental pollution as a health risk: Air pollution, soil pesticides and contaminated water not only harm nature, but also affect the immune system, organs and the life expectancy of people.

The reality: destruction instead of cooperation

However, theory and practice clap terrifyingly. While One Health Actually an ecological turn requires, the economy and politics pursue a direction that continues to separate health, nature and animals – in favor of industry.

• The role of the pharmaceutical industry The focus of the pharmaceutical industry is strongly on the development of new medication, while preventive measures that aim at long -term health receive less attention. Research on environmental toxins and their influence on human health remains underfunded.
• The food industry Industrial agriculture affects not only the environment, but also human health. The use of pesticides, factory farming and highly processed foods contradict a sustainable health system.
• The chemical and plastic industry Chemical pollutants in packaging, clothing and everyday objects can accumulate in the environment and human body. Microplastics have already been demonstrated in food, drinking water and even in human blood, with still unknown long -term consequences.
• The transport and logistics industry The worldwide trade and transport of goods contributes significantly to pollution. Emissions from ship and air traffic lead to the deterioration in air quality, while exhaust gases and noise have been shown to cause health damage.
• The construction and real estate industry The large area consumption for urban planning and infrastructures leads to the destruction of natural ecosystems and habitats. Sealed areas increase the risk of floods, affect air quality and reduce natural biodiversity.
• The fashion and textile industry The high water consumption and the use of toxic chemicals in textile production puts a strain on soils, rivers and seas. In addition, many items of clothing are made under conditions that are both healthy and ethically questionable.
• Political control With a large pomp the new one was EU competition compass presented – supposedly a strategy for sustainable development. But if you take a closer look, you can quickly see: it is aimed only at the industry. It is about economic growth, not about ecological balance or sustainable health systems. The interests of the environment and health are reduced to beautiful words in the language of bureaucracy, while the economic system continues as before.

Why One Health must be the future

We cannot afford to look at health in isolation. One Health is not a luxury, but a necessity.

• We have to drastically reduce factory farmingto prevent resistant germs and new infectious diseases. Current industrial animal husbandry not only promotes the suffering of billions of animals, but also contributes to the spread of zoonoses that can be potentially fatal to humans.
• Our agriculture must be back in harmony with natureinstead of poisoning floors and water with chemicals. Sustainable agricultural methods such as regenerative agriculture, agroforal systems and permaculture can maintain soil fertility and reduce the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
• Politics must include health and the environment in economic decisionsinstead of just orienting yourself to the interests of industry. Legal regulations must be introduced in order to force companies to make more environmentally friendly and more health -conscious decisions.
• Biodiversity must be protected and promotedto preserve natural protective mechanisms from diseases. An intact nature reduces the risk of pandemics by receiving the balance between species and ecosystems.
• A change in healthcare is requiredto promote preventive measures more. Health systems must focus on holistic view and prevention instead of purely curative measures. This also means investing more in education and research that takes into account the interactions between humans, animals and the environment.

What can the individual do?

Each individual can help integrate the one health approach into everyday life:

• Sustainable Nutrition: The consumption of regional, seasonal and ecologically produced food can protect the environment and promote your own health.
• Reduction of antibiotics in everyday life: Provide handling of medication and avoiding meat from factory farming help to minimize antibiotic resistance.
• Conscious consumption: The support of companies that use sustainable production methods contributes to positive changes in the long term.
• Political engagement: Citizens can take advantage of political measures that take into account health and the environment equally.

A new thinking is required

One Health offers an important perspective for a more sustainable future, but implementation remains a challenge. Both political decision -makers as well as economy and society are required to make their contribution. An integrated approach that monitored health, environmental and animal protection together could lead to better solutions in the long term. The question is not whether we are going this way wantbut whether we can afford not to do it.