Biodiversity loss drives infectious disease outbreaks, study finds

Summary: Biodiversity loss is the primary driver of infectious disease outbreaks, as per a meta-analysis in Nature. Loss of species increases outbreak risks the most, followed by climate change and non-native species. Urbanization decreases disease spread due to better sanitation and fewer wildlife. Zoonotic diseases, like Covid-19, often originate in wildlife. Researchers suggest reducing emissions, biodiversity loss, and invasive species to mitigate disease burden globally.

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