Changes in climatic patterns also have serious implications for food safety and security. Toxin accumulation in a variety of crops is one manifestation of climate change impacts that presents further challenges to agriculture and food production. Prolonged drought and high temperatures can trigger biophysical reactions in plants leading to an accumulation of chemical compounds toxic to animal and human health. Environmental stressors associated with climate variability can also make plants become more susceptible to infection by toxin-producing pathogens that, again, lead to toxin accumulation.
Latest Frontier is a unique section of the report providing perspectives on a breaking issue. Still on the global agenda, the illegal trade in wildlife continues to pose a serious threat to ecosystems and wildlife populations. The illegal trade in live animals and pet trade is building into a a lucrative business that attracts criminal networks throughout the supply chain. Not only threatening species survival, the illegal trade in live animals also exposes humans to zoonotic diseases associated with the traded species.
In summary, the report emphasises the critical relationship between a healthy environment and healthy people, and how human activities often undermine the long-term health and ability of ecosystems to support human well-being. The report provides encouraging examples on how certain issues may be addressed by innovating and rethinking policy interventions, new solutions or adapting existing practices. The UNEP Frontier series will continue to link new science to outcome-oriented policies, and by extension, keep the public informed of the health of the environment and its sustainability.
Achim Steiner
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
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