It’s hard to believe more than two years have passed since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The virus spread rapidly, leaving millions dead and societies forever changed. As the world struggles to heal, scientists are uncovering a profound truth: the path to recovery—and prevention of future pandemics—may lie in the very ecosystems we have been destroying.
In a recent paper published in The Lancet Planetary Health, a growing number of researchers argue that protecting and restoring nature is essential not only for the environment but also for human health and social wellbeing. The pandemic has underscored the deep connections between environmental health and public health—connections that we can no longer ignore.
The Hidden Link: Nature’s Role in Disease Prevention
When humans clear rainforests to make way for farms and towns, we unwittingly increase our exposure to wildlife that harbor new viruses—viruses capable of jumping species barriers and sparking outbreaks like COVID-19. This “spillover” effect is a direct consequence of environmental degradation.
Ecosystem restoration—the process of repairing damaged landscapes like forests, grasslands, and coral reefs—is more urgent than ever. By 2050, human activities risk leaving 95% of the planet’s land severely degraded. Without intervention, the delicate balance that once kept diseases at bay will be further disrupted.
1. Boosting Our Immune Defenses Through Microbial Diversity
Our environment teems with microscopic life: bacteria, fungi, algae, and countless unseen organisms inhabit soil, plants, water, and air. Exposure to this microbial diversity, especially early in life, “primes” our immune systems, helping build a robust defense against pathogens—including viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
However, degraded ecosystems host far fewer beneficial microbes compared to biodiverse, healthy natural environments. This means that by restoring ecosystems, we not only help wildlife but also support our own immune health. Moreover, certain plants emit phytoncides—chemical compounds that research suggests can enhance immune function and reduce viral infections.
Recognizing this vital link, the United Nations has declared 2021 to 2030 the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,” emphasizing the scale and urgency of efforts needed worldwide.
2. Nature as Medicine: The Healing Power of Green Spaces
Humans are intrinsically connected to nature, and spending time outdoors benefits mental and physical health. From reducing stress and lowering blood pressure to boosting mood, immersion in natural settings supports wellbeing.
The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku) exemplifies nature therapy’s power, officially endorsing time spent in forests to improve health. Studies during the COVID-19 pandemic found that people who engaged regularly with nature coped better with lockdowns and stress.
Yet, many urban residents lack access to quality green spaces. Restoring biodiverse habitats within cities is critical—not just for environmental reasons but for social and health equity. Cities like Adelaide, Australia, are pioneering this approach through initiatives such as the National Park City, which integrates nature into urban life for all residents.
3. Preventing Future Pandemics by Protecting Wild Spaces
By restoring wild habitats and limiting human encroachment, we reduce contact between people and wildlife, thereby lowering the chances of spillover events. Protecting forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems acts as a natural buffer, preserving the boundaries that keep dangerous pathogens in check.
It’s a stark reminder: our survival depends on respecting wild places. The pandemic has shown that ignoring these boundaries puts everyone at risk.
4. Addressing Social Inequity Through Ecosystem Restoration
COVID-19 laid bare deep social inequalities. Marginalized and deprived communities often experienced higher infection rates, more severe symptoms, and fewer opportunities for recovery and wellness.
Ensuring equitable access to biodiverse environments can improve public health outcomes and create economic opportunities. Restoration projects generate “green jobs” in tree planting, environmental management, and ecotherapy—particularly valuable in under-resourced areas.
However, the risk of “green gentrification” looms, where improvements in urban nature inadvertently displace lower-income residents. Thoughtful policies and protections are needed to prevent this and ensure that nature’s benefits are shared fairly.
The Road Ahead: Ecosystem Restoration as Public Health Strategy
The science is clear: ecosystem restoration is not merely an environmental issue but a critical public health intervention. To secure a healthy recovery from COVID-19—and to shield future generations from similar crises—governments and communities must act now.
Policy changes must span local to global levels, transforming social, economic, and financial models to prioritize the health of ecosystems alongside human wellbeing.
In Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call—one that revealed how tightly woven our fates are with those of the natural world. Healing ourselves means healing the Earth: restoring its forests, soils, waterways, and the microscopic life within them.
Our immune systems, mental health, and social resilience all depend on the vibrant, living planet we often take for granted. Nature is more than a backdrop; it is our medicine, protector, and partner in recovery.
By embracing ecosystem restoration as a vital part of public health strategy, we can build a future where pandemics are less frequent, communities are healthier, and the natural world thrives once again.
Jake M. Robinson is a microbial ecologist in the UK focused on microbes, ecosystems, and social equity. Christopher Daniels is a biology professor and environmental board leader in Australia. Martin Breed is an expert in restoration ecology and genomics, collaborating with global health organizations on biodiversity and human health.
