The Value of Ecosystems: Beyond Human Usefulness

Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to public health. The climate emergency exacerbates extreme heat, antimicrobial resistance, the transmission of zoonotic diseases, shifting disease vectors, food and water instability, and desertification, all of which have serious implications for global public health. Research has found that the majority of infectious diseases pathogenic to humans are worsened by “climatic hazards” associated with greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, only a small percentage of diseases are sometimes reduced by the climate emergency.

To address these challenges, many health professionals and policymakers are embracing a “One Health” approach. One Health recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health and acknowledges that the flourishing of ecosystems is valuable in itself, independent of human interests. This approach also offers the potential for co-benefits in terms of human and environmental well-being. Transformative changes in agriculture, aquaculture, animal rearing, transportation, urban planning, and land usage can lead to behaviors that benefit public health, such as plant-based diets, active travel, cleaner cities, and healthier food.

The Case of Dengue Fever: A One Health Success

Addressing dengue fever, one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases globally, provides an example of the effectiveness of a One Health approach. Traditional methods focus on mosquito vector control, such as eliminating standing water and using insecticides. However, introducing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria into the environment has shown promise in reducing dengue fever cases. A trial in Malaysia demonstrated a substantial reduction in cases and widespread infection of wild mosquitoes, indicating the effectiveness and safety of this approach.

By utilizing a natural inhibitor of the dengue virus, this intervention is minimally burdensome on local ecosystems and offers an effective public health measure with few known collateral effects. It exemplifies the potential of a One Health approach to specific public health challenges.

Ethical Challenges and Normative Implications

While One Health holds promise, it also presents significant ethical challenges that may undermine coherent health policy implementation. The emphasis on human interests within One Health approach raises questions about the moral value of non-human aspects of the biosphere. Veterinary medicine, for example, primarily focuses on the utility of animal health for humans rather than considering the independent moral value of animals or species. Furthermore, understanding the notion of independent moral value in ecosystems and landscapes, and assessing what constitutes a “healthy” environment, is complex and value-laden. Resolving these normative issues is crucial for guiding health policy, as without a clear understanding of values, policy decisions become incoherent.

In conclusion, One Health urges us to recognize the limitations of anthropocentrism and contemplate the possibility that the intricate and beautiful ecosystems we depend on have a value that surpasses their human usefulness.