A multispecies coexistence based on rewilding and degrowth for the sake of global health

Abstract

Abstract The climate emergency is closely linked to biodiversity loss, both in its (anthropogenic) causes (anthropogenic) and possible (nature-based) solutions. Both crises are a major threat to global health because zoonoses, global warming and other climate impacts make present and future generations vulnerable, and aggravate social inequalities. Indeed, this has led some authors to start talking about ecological determinants of health. However, based on a narrative review of recent academic literature, I will argue that trophic rewilding strategies, framed within conservation biology, can ensure global health by stopping the spread of zoonoses and animating the carbon cycle. A first aim of my contribution will be to defend this correlation. Then, my next purpose will be to address how rewilding could favor coexistence with protected or reintroduced keystone species. The recent UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal agreed to extend the care of wilderness areas and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, but this is a political as well as a social challenge. The current development model in Europe, based on fossil-dependent economic growth, is a stumbling block for wildlife to flourish. I will therefore argue that degrowth could be a complementary development alternative to rewilding in order to make a more serious commitment to global health. Key messages • The ecological restoration of trophic rewilding can contribute to global health by mitigating climate change and zoonoses. • The development of European societies is based on economic growth, and as this is a threat for wildlife flourishing, a shift towards degrowh could complement rewilding and strengthen global health.