Global change increases zoonotic risk, COVID-19 changes risk perceptions: a plea for urban nature connectedness

Maarten P. M. Vanhove, Séverine Thys, Ellen Decaestecker, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Jeroen De Man, J.J.A. Hugé, Hans Keune, Ann Sterckx, Luc Janssens de Bisthoven

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Ebola and COVID-19 are textbook emerging diseases influenced by humans. Ebola is often considered a result of exotic nature threatening health. Conversely, COVID-19, emerged in an urban environment, entails risks worldwide. Geographical, virological and demographic differences influence risk perceptions and responses to both diseases. Because ecological understanding of urban human-animal relations improves disease risk assessment, we call for ethnographical exploration of this interface. ‘Global Urban Confinement Measures’ impact health by influencing disease perceptions, limiting nature access, and strengthening inequities. To prevent and mitigate zoonotic pandemics and their consequences, policy should promote nature connectedness, concert with stakeholders, and integrate nature-city-inhabitant interactions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)s131-s139
Number of pages9
JournalCities & Health
Volume5
Issue numberS1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • COVID
  • Eco Health
  • One Health
  • urban environmental justice

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