Biodiversity, Health and the Economy

In the context of the dynamic interplay between ecological, human health, and economic systems, our research theme delves into the intricate relationships among biodiversity, human well-being, and economic stability. Central to our inquiry is the examination of the biodiversity hypothesis, which posits that diverse ecosystems promote better human health by regulating disease vectors, enhancing ecosystem services, and providing sources for pharmaceutical discovery. Furthermore, we employ economic analyses to explore strategies that uphold the Planetary Boundaries framework proposed by Rockström et al. in 2009. By quantifying the societal and economic impacts of maintaining or transgressing these boundaries, we aim to identify pathways that harmonize human development, health, and economic prosperity while safeguarding the planet's ecological equilibrium.

The Biodiversity Hypothesis

Within the context of rapid biodiversity loss and the increasing prevalence of inflammatory diseases, it is critical to understand the relationships between biodiversity and human health and well-being across scales.

Economics of Planetary Boundaries

We want to expand the knowledge around Planetary Boundaries, examining how the economy impacts land use and cover, water, and climate change within this framework. To do this, studying the system on a lower geographical scale is necessary.