Acknowledging geodiversity in safeguarding biodiversity and human health

Janne Alahuhta; Helena Tukiainen; Maija Toivanen; Terhi Ala-Hulkko; Vahid Farrahi; Jan Hjort; Tiina M Ikäheimo; Tiina Lankila; Tuija Maliniemi; Soile Puhakka; Henriikka Salminen; Marjo Seppänen; Raija Korpelainen; Ding Ding

doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00259-5

Acknowledging geodiversity in safeguarding biodiversity and human health

Lancet Planet Health. 2022 Dec;6(12):e987-e992. doi: 10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00259-5.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. Electronic address: janne.alahuhta@oulu.fi.
² Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
³ Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
⁴ Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
⁵ Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
⁶ Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation, Oulu, Finland.
⁷ Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
⁸ Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation, Oulu, Finland.
⁹ Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
¹⁰ Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 36495893
DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00259-5

Abstract

Our existence on Earth is founded on a vital nature, which supports human physical and mental health. However, nature is often depicted only through biodiversity, whereas geodiversity-the diversity of non-living nature-has so far been neglected. Geodiversity consists of assemblages, structures, and systems of geological, geomorphological, soil, and hydrological components that fundamentally underlie biodiversity. Biodiversity can support overall human health only with the foundation of geodiversity. Landscape characteristics, such as varying topography or bodies of water, promote aesthetic and sensory experiences and are also a product of geodiversity. In this Personal View, we introduce the concept of geodiversity as a driver for planetary health, describe its functions and services, and outline the intricate relationships between geodiversity, biodiversity, and human health. We also propose an agenda for acknowledging the importance of geodiversity in health-related research and decision making. Geodiversity is an emerging topic with untapped potential for ensuring ecosystem functionality and good living conditions for people in a time of changing environments.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Biodiversity
Conservation of Natural Resources*
Earth, Planet
Ecosystem*
Humans