Environmental & One Health
Why Environmental Factors and One Health Matter
Environmental factors increasingly influence population health, with climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and zoonotic diseases contributing to growing health risks worldwide.
The One Health approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Changes in ecosystems, land use, and climate conditions are directly linked to patterns of disease emergence and transmission. Addressing these risks requires coordinated approaches that reduce exposure, strengthen prevention, and improve system readiness.
Interconnected Risks Across Systems
Health risks are increasingly driven by interactions between environmental, animal, and human systems.
A significant proportion of emerging infectious diseases originate at the human–animal–environment interface, often linked to environmental change, biodiversity loss, and shifting patterns of land use. These dynamics increase the likelihood of disease emergence and transmission across populations.
At the same time, coordination between sectors responsible for human, animal, and environmental health remains limited. Surveillance, prevention, and response efforts are not consistently aligned, reducing the ability to detect risks early and respond effectively.
As a result, interconnected risks are not addressed in a comprehensive way, contributing to avoidable health impacts and increasing pressure on health systems.
From Evidence to Implementation
This Learning Zone explores evidence-based OneHealth approach strategies, with a focus on:
- Health impacts of climate change and air pollution
- Prevention of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance
- Sustainable healthcare practices and environmental stewardship
- Policy approaches to strengthening global health security through One Health initiatives
Drawing from science-policy dialogue, this Learning Zone explores how coordinated environmental and health strategies can support earlier detection of risk, improve prevention, and strengthen system preparedness across the life course.
Resource Kits
The Learning Zone includes curated Resource Kits—collections of expert materials focused on key topics within the theme. These kits provide practical tools, insights, and evidence to support your work in advancing health prevention across the life course.
The One Health approach recognizes that the well-being of people, animals, plants, and the environment are deeply interconnected. As global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and zoonotic diseases intensify, this multidisciplinary framework has become essential for effective public health strategies.
This Resource Kit introduces the foundational concepts of One Health—tracing its evolution, defining its scope, and illustrating its relevance through real-world case studies. It explores how environmental changes such as pollution and climate shifts are impacting human health, increasing disease risks, and challenging health systems worldwide. You’ll also gain insights into how integrating veterinary and human health efforts—through zoonotic disease surveillance, responsible antibiotic use, and sustainable agriculture—can improve health outcomes and ensure food and nutritional security.
