Simultaneously, deforestation for agricultural purposes is causing population displacements as habitats are destroyed. A notable example is the deforestation of an area in Indonesia in 1997, which caused bats to migrate to Southeast Asia. These bats infected pigs with the Nipah virus, which then spread to humans. By 1999, of the 265 recorded cases, 105 had resulted in death[2].
Livestock farming has both direct and indirect impacts. Indirectly, livestock production generates around 14.5% of greenhouse gases and contributes to water pollution[3]. Methane and nitrous oxide—two of the most harmful greenhouse gases released during production—contribute to global warming 28–34[4] times and 300[5] times more than carbon dioxide, respectively. Directly, the consumption of free-range animals increases the risk of viral infections, such as zoonotic diseases[6] or hepatitis E (HEV)[7].
Strengthening public resilience against these risks is an urgent necessity, achievable through the development of green cities. While civil society appears highly sensitized to the green transition, meaningful change critically depends on government intervention.
Projects such as building energy-autonomous structures, retrofitting existing buildings to become energy self-sufficient with solar panels, and improving transportation infrastructure are some examples that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Strengthening the role of local governments is especially important, as they will be responsible for helping communities adapt to these new realities. Public awareness campaigns, development of accessible, family-friendly spaces and programs that promote exercise for all age groups can encourage active lifestyles and community well-being. Moreover, the creation of pocket parks, such as the example in Kypseli[8], will enhance urban greenery, improve air quality, and benefit citizens’ mental health by providing spaces for unwinding and relaxation, thus fostering a sustainable daily life.
As this article touches on healthcare-related topics, the initiative by hospitals in Greece to develop therapeutic green spaces around their facilities is noteworthy, with a prominent example being the SNF University Pediatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, scheduled to be delivered to the public by the end of 2026[9].
[1] ‘Earth Had Its Hottest August in 175-Year Record’ (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 12 September 2024) <https://www.noaa.gov/news/earth-had-its-hottest-august-in-175-year-record>.
[2] Katarina Zimmer, ‘Deforestation Is Leading to More Infectious Diseases in Humans’ (National Geographic, 22 November 2019) <https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/deforestation-leading-to-more-infectious-diseases-in-humans>.
[3] ‘Livestock Solutions for Climate Change | FAO’ (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2017) <https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1634679/>.
[4] ‘The Challenge’ (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) <https://unece.org/challenge>.
[5] Theo Stein, ‘Nitrous Oxide Emissions Grew 40 Percent from 1980 to 2020, Accelerating Climate Change’ (NOAA Research, 12 June 2024) <https://research.noaa.gov/2024/06/12/nitrous-oxide-emissions-grew-40-percent-from-1980-to-2020-accelerating-climate-change/>.
[6] John Vidal, ‘Spread of “Free-Range” Farming May Raise Risk of Animal-Borne Pandemics – Study’ (The Guardian, 23 June 2022) <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/23/free-range-extensive-farming-may-risk-more-animal-borne-pandemics-than-intensive-factory-farming-study>.
[7] Hanna Turlewicz‐Podbielska and others, ‘Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock—Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans’ (2023) 13 Animals 3239.
[8] ‘Pocket Park – Ano Kypseli’ (Enikos, 4 September 2022) <https://www.enikos.gr/travel/pame-athina-en/pocket-park-anokypseli/1870698/>.
[9] ‘SNF University Pediatric Hospital of Thessaloniki – SNF Global Health Initiative’ (SNF – Global Health Initiative 2018) <https://www.snfghi.org/en/pillars/infrastructure-projects/snf-university-pediatric-hospital-of-thessaloniki/>.
