IPBES releases paper titled “Escaping the ‘Era of Pandemics”

News: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services(IPBES) has released a research paper titled “Escaping the ‘Era of Pandemics: Experts Warn Worse Crises to Come”.

Facts:

• Objective: The report has analysed the contribution of human-induced environmental damages in the emergence of new diseases.

Key Takeaways:

• Pandemics like COVID-19 would hit us more frequently unless there is a change in the global approach to dealing with infectious diseases.
• We are yet to identify some 1.7 million viruses that exist in mammals and birds.Out of these, 50% have the potential or ability to infect humans.
• Land use change is a significant driver of pandemics and caused the emergence of more than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960.

Recommendations:

• Intergovernmental Council: Launch a high-level intergovernmental council on pandemic prevention to provide decision-makers with the best science and evidence on emerging diseases.
• Mutually agreed Goals: Countries should set mutually-agreed goals or targets within the framework of an international accord or agreement – with clear benefits for people, animals and the environment.
• One Health approach: Institutionalizing the ‘One Health’ approach in national governments to build pandemic preparedness, enhance pandemic prevention programs and to investigate and control outbreaks across sectors.
• Changes in Consumption: Enable changes to reduce the types of consumption, globalized agricultural expansion and trade that have led to pandemics.
• Reducing zoonotic disease risks in the international wildlife trade through intergovernmental partnerships.
• Valuing Indigenous Peoples and local communities engagement and knowledge in pandemic prevention programs.

Additional Facts:

• IPBES: It is an intergovernmental organization established in 2012 to improve the interface between science and policy on issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services.Headquarters: Bonn, Germany.