In a fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with information about environmental crises, deforestation, and species loss. The phrase “preserve our biodiversity” echoes in news reports and campaigns, but its real dimension often seems distant from our daily routine. It is easy to question how the variety of life in a distant forest or a deep ocean really impacts our day-to-day, our work, and, most importantly, our emotional state.

This disconnection, however, is a dangerous illusion. The degradation of the natural world is not just an ecological issue; it directly reverberates in our mental health and well-being. The rise of conditions such as stress and anxiety in modern society is not dissociated from the environment we live in. The loss of green spaces, air pollution, and climate instability create a backdrop of uncertainty and overload for our nervous system.

It is here that understanding becomes a powerful tool. Understanding why it is so important to preserve our biodiversity transcends biology and ecology, entering the field of integral human health. It is about recognizing that we are part of a complex and interconnected system, and that the health of this system is the foundation for our own health. Nature provides services that not only sustain our physical existence but also nurture our minds.

In this article, we will explore this vital connection. We will go beyond classical definitions to reveal how the richness of life on Earth serves as a pillar for emotional balance. We will show how environmental degradation can exacerbate stress and anxiety and, more importantly, how reconnection with the natural environment can be a powerful ally in caring for mental health.

As professionals dedicated to promoting emotional health through evidence-based practices such as scientific hypnosis, we understand that the environment directly influences our thoughts and automatic reactions. We invite you to discover how the preservation of biodiversity is, in essence, a way to care for ourselves and future generations, strengthening our resilience and well-being at a fundamental level.

What Is Biodiversity and How Does It Sustain Life on the Planet?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms that inhabit our planet, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. However, it goes beyond that: it also encompasses the interactions between these species and the environments in which they live. Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and, consequently, for our own survival.

There are three main levels of biodiversity:

• Genetic biodiversity: Refers to the genetic variety within a single species. This genetic diversity is crucial for the adaptation and survival of species in the face of diseases and environmental changes.
• Species biodiversity: Relates to the variety of species in a given ecosystem. Each species plays a unique role, contributing to the health and balance of the environment.
• Ecosystem biodiversity: Refers to the diversity of habitats, communities, and interactions that occur in a given location. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances and climate changes.

Moreover, biodiversity provides us with essential services, known as ‘ecosystem services.’ These services are vital for our survival and quality of life:

• Water purification: Healthy ecosystems filter and clean the water we consume.
• Air purification: Plants and microorganisms help reduce atmospheric pollutants.
• Pollination: Pollinating insects and birds ensure the production of fruits and vegetables, essential for our diet.
• Climate regulation: Forests and oceans regulate temperature and absorb greenhouse gases.

These mechanisms operate in perfect harmony, and the stability of these services directly depends on the richness and balance of biodiversity. Preserving this diversity is, therefore, essential not only for the environment but also for our physical and emotional well-being.

The Major Threats to Natural Balance and Their Consequences

The natural balance of our planet faces significant threats that go beyond what we can imagine. Among the main ones are deforestation, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources. Each of these threats has the potential to destabilize entire ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and, consequently, our lives.

Deforestation is one of the most harmful practices, especially in tropical forests. By removing vast areas of vegetation, we lose essential habitats for many species. This not only leads to the extinction of plants and animals but also affects the water cycle and air quality, directly impacting human communities that depend on these resources.

Climate change represents another major concern. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns affect habitats and can result in forced migration of species. When the climate changes rapidly, many cannot adapt, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.

Pollution, in turn, contaminates soil, water, and air, harming wildlife and our own health. Chemicals accumulated in the food chain can cause diseases in humans and animals. Additionally, overexploitation of resources, such as overfishing and mineral extraction, destroys habitats, leading to species disappearance and environmental degradation.

These threats to biodiversity have direct consequences for society. Food insecurity may increase, while emerging diseases, such as zoonoses, become more frequent. Furthermore, environmental degradation can increase our vulnerability to natural disasters, opening fertile ground for reflection on the urgency of preserving life in all its forms.

The Deep Connection Between Nature and Emotional Health

Human beings have a natural affinity for the natural world, known as ‘biophilia.’ This concept suggests that we are intrinsically linked to nature and that our emotional health is deeply tied to the beauty and diversity it provides. When we surround ourselves with environments rich in biodiversity, we experience a reduction in cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and relief from mental rumination, which often envelops us in repetitive negative thoughts.

Various studies indicate that contact with nature brings significant benefits to our mental health, including:

• Improvement in focus and attention: Being in natural environments can help restore concentration capacity.
• Reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms: Nature and green landscapes have shown positive impacts on emotional regulation.
• Stimulation of creativity: Natural environments can encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.

However, the loss of biodiversity we currently face, due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change, results in diminished opportunities that nature offers us for emotional restoration. This can lead to increased chronic stress and eco-anxiety, a growing concern about environmental degradation that affects our mental health.

It is evident that a healthy external environment serves as a foundation for internal balance. When we lose biological diversity, we not only sacrifice species and ecosystems but also our psychological well-being. Protecting biodiversity is, therefore, vital not only for future generations of flora and fauna but also for the emotional health of the current population.

The Role of Health Professionals and Scientific Hypnosis

Environmental degradation is a growing source of stress that affects people’s emotional health. Climate challenges, species extinction, and loss of natural habitats fuel a sense of insecurity and eco-anxiety, which refers to excessive concern about the future of our planet. For health professionals, this is an issue that cannot be ignored. It is essential to recognize that people’s emotional health is intrinsically linked to their environment. Moments of contact with nature, which promote our well-being, are declining due to the loss of biodiversity.

Health professionals act as agents of integral well-being, and it is fundamental to consider environmental factors in their approaches. It is increasingly recognized that scientific hypnosis can be a transformative tool to help people manage not only common anxiety but also eco-anxiety and stress generated by environmental issues. As we know, “everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.” This phrase reflects the capacity of hypnosis to alleviate emotional symptoms, regardless of their origin.

Through hypnosis, professionals can equip individuals with better emotional coping strategies. This promotes resilience and skills to deal with uncertainties, allowing people to feel more empowered in the face of environmental changes. By using hypnotic suggestions, it is possible to reprogram how patients interpret their concerns, helping them transform fear into positive action for the preservation of biodiversity.

Caring for the emotional health of the population is a way to strengthen society to face the complex challenges that biodiversity preservation imposes. Health professionals have a crucial role in this mission, uniting science and empathy to promote a healthier future, where each person can connect with nature and contribute to its protection.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we traveled from the macro concept of biodiversity to its most intimate connection with our inner universe: emotional health. We saw that answering the question “why is it so important to preserve our biodiversity?” goes far beyond protecting landscapes and species. It is a fundamental act of self-preservation, of caring for our mental stability and our collective well-being.

We understand that healthy ecosystems provide us with clean air, pure water, and food, but they also function as a powerful emotional regulator. Nature calms us, focuses our attention, and helps us manage automatic thoughts that fuel stress and anxiety. The loss of this natural wealth deprives us of one of our most important allies in the pursuit of a balanced and serene life.

For us, professionals who work on the front lines of emotional health, this understanding is even more crucial. Recognizing environmental factors as sources of stress allows us to have a more complete view of human suffering. Scientific hypnosis, as an evidence-based practice, offers valuable tools to help people alter their perception and reaction to these stressors, developing greater resilience and control over their internal state.

Caring for the human mind and caring for the planet are two sides of the same coin. By strengthening people’s emotional health, we empower them to face the world’s challenges with greater clarity, hope, and proactivity. An individual with balanced emotions is more apt to think of solutions, collaborate, and actively participate in building a more sustainable future for all.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Explore the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What does biodiversity mean and why is it important for human health?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on the planet, including species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Its importance for human health lies in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which provide essential services such as air and water purification, crop pollination, and climate control. The degradation of these ecosystems affects not only wildlife but also impacts our physical and emotional health, making the preservation of biodiversity fundamental.

What are the main threats to biodiversity today?

The threats to biodiversity include deforestation, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources. These practices can destabilize ecosystems, leading to species extinction and habitat degradation. Each of these threats affects not only wildlife but also human quality of life and food security, increasing the urgency for preservation actions.

How does the connection with nature affect our emotional health?

The connection with nature is fundamental for emotional well-being. Studies show that spending time in natural environments reduces levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Biological diversity also stimulates creativity and improves concentration. The loss of biodiversity limits these opportunities, resulting in greater stress and eco-anxiety, making the preservation of nature essential for our mental health.

What is the role of health professionals in biodiversity preservation?

Health professionals play a crucial role in biodiversity preservation by helping people manage the stress and anxiety associated with environmental degradation. Methods such as scientific hypnosis can be used to promote emotional resilience and transform nature-related concerns into positive actions. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of the environment can strengthen the treatment of psychological conditions, connecting mental health and ecology.

How can biodiversity preservation benefit future generations?

Preserving biodiversity ensures that future generations inherit a healthy planet. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to changes, providing essential services and stable quality of life. Maintaining biodiversity means protecting natural resources, improving food security, and ensuring an environment that supports the health and well-being of future generations. Sustainability and care for biodiversity are, therefore, fundamental legacies for the future.